Floetry: Ode to the Ancestors

It’s exhausting 

Mr. Du Bois, that double consciousness wears me thin

I’se tired

Ms. Rushin, my bridge is broken down, sagging, ain’t taking nobody else nowhere 

I gotta take off this mask

Mr. Dunbar, it itches my face and gives me a rash

I’m hungry, starving

Ms. Simone, but all they offer me is the trauma of that strange fruit

My voice is hoarse and I don’t wanna sing no more

Ms. Angelou, I just wanna break out my cage and fly

But I’ll be alright

Ms. Clifton, we’ll celebrate this life I have shaped

I’ll be okay

Mr. Hughes, that dream deferred is still a dream comin

I thrive

Ancestors, because your legacy is my strength