i wrote this when i realized the uniqueness of coily hair. out of the five races of man (white, black, yellow, red, and olive), only one carries this trait predominately.


sacred hair

soft to the touch
like cotton
found on plantation fields
covered from the wind
i protected you
from dirt, the sun
or rain
like tears that fall
before knowledge is quicken
to make me understand

at one time
i laid you flat
stole your uniqueness
silenced you
made submissive to the whims
that are destructive
you were damaged – scarred
i erased what you represent

now roped & strong
spiraled & long
hugging my thoughts
i cherish you
i love the way you feel
soft to the touch
sacred hair
naturally
& spiritually alive

©-2001