Roots by Caribbean Poet Cicely Rodway
(from her book of poems Facing The Wind; 2009)
FOR WOMEN OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Her roots are deep
many bloods cruise through her veins
yet she can trace with certainty
her beginnings.
She comes from a long line
of strong woman
the spirit of goddesses runs through
her
the spirit of earth and
sun goddesses
spirits of the elements
the forces
of life
rest in her.
Spirit of Oya
Yoruba goddess of winds
and tempests
Oya
The Strong Protectress of Women
Yes, she comes from a long line
a long line of strong women.
She springs from survivors
from enslaved women
from women
who struggled to be free.
Now,
made stronger by this history
Bathed in the power of her ancestors
strengthened by the faith
and works of sisters
she shapes the world.
