Photo by Shaka Jamal Redmond

when i line up

with the old women healer ladies

the sages hags grammies

sorceresses witches great

granny medicine women

when i line

up with the old women

with stars falling from my hair

my robe shall be shot with

moonbeams my heart will become

water mothering holding knowing

when i line up with the old women

by the river washing souls

singing life like a hymn i will

lay down my sword and shield

until that time

stone

sharpens steel