i want to wrap my people up in an everlasting embrace.

 

hold them tight and not let go.

 

ancestors! fill me with the power of the phoenix.

 

let my tears

               fall

                   fierce and defiant.

 

let the wounds begin to heal.

 

cover me with your grace and help me wade through the waters of our collective grief.

 

there is space for all of us on my back.

 

when i get tired, let us rest in the depths while Yemaya holds us

close

and carries us to the freshwaters.

 

maferefun oshun,

mama,

warrior ooman,

let me nourish myself with your sweetness.

 

adorn me with the apparel of war and

 

remind me of my battle cry.

 

recall the flood and bring us home.

a prayer, safiya robinson