There’s Nowhere Else To Go, But Up!

head hums a melody. memories play a song. 

repeat. roar the words of a warrior. 

Resist. Resist. Resist. 

There’s nowhere else to go, but up. 

Be resilient. 

 

black female skin sends satisfaction to old wounds. 

overcome overwhelming oceans. middle school, 

a 13-year-old teenager is a puppeteer for 

themed threats and beastly abuse, target practice 

of heartache hits. death comes close to being my 

companion. chose to conquer cold climates. 

pounding every perilous part. 

 

mahogany skin wears my womanhood well. 

soul scatters scars. validate victory to replace victim 

with two guys i dated. his hand throws a punch. 

face facets an uninvited guest, reason not to stay in 

an abusive relationship at 16 years old. worry warps 

my world by the age of 20. male mutates my body. 

believes he made a masterpiece. rose is stripped 

and shredded. refuge seems miles away. his bodily 

crime thought it crushed me, but i climbed out victorious. 

 

melon lady has a light, a shining smile seen in storms. 

love myself, even my nappy, natural hair. 

body built to withstand weight. nature never knocks me 

to the ground unless i kneel to it. bondage banked on 

breaking bravery’s window. liberty lifts the wind to come inside.

takes over torment’s territories. suffering surprised others 

with the supernatural. deliverance does unlock closed doors. 

 

head hums a melody. memories play a song. 

repeat. roar the words of a warrior. 

Resist. Resist. Resist. 

There’s nowhere else to go, but up. 

Be resilient.