Dear Black Woman by Mugate (Day 15 of KSR 31 Days of Poetry)

The Black Woman is one of the world's greatest treasures, even when they do not remember. Thus, there has been the call to remember too many times as echoed in the eternal words of Maya Angelou, Toni Morrisson, Flora Nwapa, Beyonce, and too many others. As Black History Month in some places and life definitely goes on everywhere, it is worth remembering of the beauty that is the black woman as Mugate reminds us in this poem. Enjoy. SVA

Dear Black Woman,
Power looks stunning on you.
If you’re to wear anything, it must be that, nothing else.
A leader and nurturer, you’re never to be led to slaughter.
Melanin dripping, you must walk under the sun each step positively affirming your being.
“I-click, am-clack, worthy.”
“I-click, am-clack, strong.”
“I-click, am-clack, beautiful.”
“I-click, am-clack, love.”
You’re to be wolf-whistled only by the mightiest winds.
The moon and stars reflect on your dark skin.
There’s no shame in this melanin, just fire.
Your touch? Magic.
It could cure madness.
God’s wonder is hidden in the depth of your eyes.
Your laughter is joyful music to the sons and daughters of the earth.
When you speak, it’s with boldness.
Pride fills your lungs as you speak your being forward.
Who you are?
Power dripping in rich black; a Queen.

-Mugate (Eleanor Chimhandamba)

Eleanor Farirai Chimhandamba is a cauldron of emotion, words, and a love for creative writing. She finds writing cathartic and has been writing consistently for almost two years, although she started writing as a teen. Her work is often inspired by the creative works of Albert Chinualumogu Achebe, Nina Simone and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Love? War? Child “marriage”? Black lives and experiences? Eleanor enjoys stirring the emotions of her readers by vividly capturing everyday reality. James Patterson, Stephen King, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Khaled Hosseini are amongst her favourite authors. Regarding her academic qualifications, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pretoria. On the literature front, Eleanor is working on shaking the world and becoming a published author soon.