A Declaration of Divine Feminine Power
All my life I’ve tried to be nice and good–to appease the requirements of my parents, my culture, my expectations of who I am “supposed” to be. Ultimately, I have failed in such realms of aspiration simply because they were not the truest reflection of my desires, wants, and needs. In pursuit of invisible constraints that general society places around the necks of women, the repercussions of such self-sacrifice pull tightly like a noose no matter how hard I try to appeal to the laws of man.
It is all a losing game. A game whose apex signals a turning point of death, rebirth, and renewal.
So I have promised myself this: I will never forsake my desires to make others comfortable ever again.
Why should I relinquish my authenticity to appease people in their realities, all while forsaking the desires that could help me improve my own?
I am not destined for a life of subsistence, abundance is my birthright. The crumbs of approval from others do not define me, for I am led by God–my motivation is divine. My leader is the light within and I know, now, that my heart is valid. What she wants, she gets. That is the law that governs my soul’s expansion into eternity’s dreams. From this truth, miracles bloom within my mind’s eye. I align my heart’s desires with my highest good. I align with the highest good for the universe. My “no” is no, and my “yes” is yes.
It feels good to speak my truth–bravely and boldly. I am not afraid, not anymore. There are no repercussions for being myself. It is only then that I can attract the love I deserve and embrace the life I want. I do not hold grudges, I move with the wisdom from past mistakes guiding me. I know that my intuition channels divine guidance, leading me to what is best for me and for the world around me. So it is. Amen.
° ° °
The following poem, “I Write What I Like” is an excerpt from my book, Force of Nature.
“I Write What I LIke” is inspired by the late Steve Biko, a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist whose namesake compilation of infamous speeches and essays still inspire decolonial liberation movements across the African continent today. Biko’s active resolve to stand for what was right in the face of violence and dehumanization has taught me what it means to stand for a cause larger than myself–and how to give my all to the protection of my dignity. To honor the fire of truth and fervor of love is the greatest task we have been given as living beings, and it is our duty to do so at all costs. I would be remiss to not respond to the attacks on the sovereignty of womanhood, especially that of young African girls and women who are still figuring out what it means to be independent and free. While societal dogmas, and oppressive cultural regimes may attempt to dictate who we should be, “I Write What I Like” declares that African women everywhere must rise to the pulpit and claim our freedom as our own.
° ° °
I Write What I Like
I believe that African women must find our own revolution
And that we must prepare to bear arms for our virtue
and our right to the treasures of this Earth
And I am infatuated with this imagining
of the African woman
free
uninhibited
and daring to be more
more than a
mother
sister
lover
or a pillar standing still
and patiently waiting
to receive
When, in fact, we created love
in all her glory
and our breasts bear Aphrodite’s kiss
and our minds move mountains
as our thoughts roar loud
And the thunder shakes to the rhythmic step of our feet
So yes, we are the siren’s delight
Singing a song that can break you
and enchant you all the same
The African woman is ethereal
Uniquely bound to a celestial host
the sun
the moons
the stars
our beings are connected
with the land and the sea
and the middle ground where the two kiss and finally meet
So, I take this to mean
And, no, I do not say it respectfully
We must sink the ships of pirates
In all their unique forms
And castrate audacious men who try to claim our shores
We must rumble the foundations of those colosseums
in the middle of which we stand
We are no longer servants
This is our Holy land
I pen this note to my valiant sisters
Those awake and those who sleep
This is a call to action
Please read this carefully
Where oceans rise
Our feet will not fall
Where the earth crumbles
We will stand tall
Where cries break glass
And fires rage on
We will conquer calamities
and the crack of lightning’s whip
may I remind you
the lineage from which we come
We are the span of evolving moons
The infinite range of stars
And lest you forget our power
We are the fortitude that burns
incessantly
with the raging sun
° ° °
If you enjoyed this poem, be sure to share it with a woman who would resonate with the message of taking your liberation into your own hands. Force of Nature is a collection of narrative and lyrical poetry written for African and indigenous women globally who wish to take the world by storm and walk in the vibrance of their power and authenticity. There is great strength in vulnerability, emotional resilience, and the courage to love one’s self– and I speak to all of this in my book! You can order a signed copy here.
