This is a poem I wrote some years ago inspired by a coworker at the time. She was going through so much, I marveled at how she could keep going day by day. Yet, as women, and as black women especially, we must. We have loved ones to care for, and who care for us.
I'm getting into a writing groove again, and it will probably include some poetry, which is where my writing actually began. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do.
A Strong Black Woman
Inspired by Tina T. Watson
A strong black woman
is a woman of her own mind,
with a will, a desire
and a determination that is unequaled
She possesses a presence and quality of self,
she knows who she is, where she stands
and cannot, shall not, will not be moved
She has character, wisdom and grace
qualities which are embedded in the very genes
of each and every black female born, then and now
A Strong Black Woman
is beauty defined
a continuation of the daughter she was,
the mother she is, and the grandmother she will become
like her grandmother before her
She is admired, adored, cherished and loved
like fine crystal sitting on the table,
If the crystal falls and does not break,
it is so blessed,
If the crystal falls and breaks, it does not matter
for you simply pick up the pieces, set the tragedy behind you
and keep going,
this is A Strong Black Woman
She strives for achievement, success, perfection
She will be the best she can be
and that is all there is
No matter how rocky the path may get
she has learned to avoid the stones in her way
A Strong Black Woman you will know on sight
for you will be unable to turn your attention from her,
her magnetism is such, that to call her anything
less than strong would be an injustice
The Strong Black Woman has had enough injustice
It is time for justice
Jacqueline Cannon
Copyright March 27, 1995