A tree is planted with all my sisters' names on it

This is our family tree
Our leaves will cup our tears

So that our children can swallow them whole
Drinking the life stories
Of warrior sisters

I want my children to read your stories
Like they read children's books
I want to hum lullabies of your strength

And instill passion from the roots of their
hair to the depths of their
hearts

I want to cook them your poems for inspiration

"Where there is a woman there is magic" (Shange)

Magic fell upon us on 7th and Jackson

Let my tears falling as I write this poem

Rain down wherever you are
And shower you with my love.

isangmahal.

isangmahal.

isangmahal.

isangmahal.

isangmahal.

isangmahal.

Poem by Chara Amlag originallly published on APA listserve August 2001