We Will

For Brenda O Connell who completed a monumental task in a fierce manner.

I will come from your hinterlands to fling open your doors,

I will swim from your oceans to strike at your shores.

I will climb up your trees and let my voice soar.

And when you should stop, I will sing more.

 

I will cross your borders to pitch my flag,

I will scale your walls to stand and brag.

I will take down your drum and beat it to four,

And when you should stop, I will beat more.

 

I will walk through your lands to take up my place,

I will name each woman and state their case.

I will dance their pain and sing their mores.

And when you shout stop, I will let my voice soar.

 

I will take up a stick to shape their face on the land,

I will stamp the truth of their past in each grain of sand.

I will paint their joys and tear up their veils,

And when you shout exile, l will pull down the sails.

 

And then when we meet me on the road as we will

I will offer my name and expect to hear yours.

I will meet you half way and stand fast where I am

Emboldened by voices from a whisper to a roar!