Eric Mack

Malkia

I am certain.
And can declare under oath.
That black women have kept this world spinning.
All from their kitchen tables.
I’ve seen councils being kept throughout the day.
From mornings grits & gospel to midnight moonshine & Motown.
Neighborhoods giving or needing favors.
And one on ones when a wife was being mistreated.
Or some girl talk about the other night.
And chile it got heated.

But kids would have to go in the room and do your homework.
Because that was grown folks business.
Hell, even when I got of age.
I didn’t feel of age.
Because I held that table with such reverence.
Their kitchen table did everything from cosmetology to astrology.
And all of the stars and hot combs in between.

I’m willing to testify under oath that this world.
But especially America needs to count its blessings.
For the wounds that were mended.
Laughter that followed sorrows.
And foresight that quelled fevers.
Because it all could have ended.
But the women at these kitchen table.
Believed in a better tomorrow.
For all.

e.m.

#poetry #poetrycommunity #blackwomen