singing in captivity

is not a sign of happy

slaves nor is dancing

which may occur almost

anywhere grace in the storm

may be hard to understand

may not always be seen as

divinity holding hands with

resilience what do you know

of laying burdens down

sitting them next to you in

a dark place losing their weight

to dance your story

sing it to a starless sky

with no  moon

to supplicate yourself to joy

thanking the Orisha for

strong backs bottomless souls

sweetened with gratitude

knowing the burden waits

weighs the same may have

grown in your absence but

you are stronger now

singing while captive

does not imply happy

slaves nor does dancing

which may occur almost

anywhere