BEAUTIFUL
The branches of an Olneya tesota,
Depict spirit – Ironwood tree.
Icicles melting
Showcase warmth – Sun.
A river flowing and an ocean tiding
Represent constancy – Face.
Aiding a child’s growth
Illustrate patience – Heart.
A smile, beautiful, her smile, unforgettable
Exemplifies love – Mom.
TO MISS SARAH BAARTMAN (Sara, Saartjie)
I learned of you from across the pond,
London, England, the UK.
I felt your pleas, heard your silent cries, and saw your held tears.
All, even then,
Still, even now,
Among the canvasses there displayed like mud.
Miss Sara Baartman, my soul felt your pain because you, however,
knew your body’s beauty,
your physique, exquisite,
your splendor.
Miss Sara you knew you walked with grace, pride, and strength passed down from Khoisan Afrikaan.
Those people, your people, missed you.
I could see it then, there in the UK, you depicted on those canvasses like dirt. I could see it all.
Look how straight you stood, tall, humble, yet strong, so very strong.
Your soul wept because of people like me looking at you.
Miss Saartjie, forgive us, for our unloving acts, ignorance, and cruelty.
Miss Saartjie, forgive us and forgive me for not knowing, turning the other cheek, being morbidly curious, resisting truth, being blind, weak, and not loving me enough to love you.
A pardon? No, such is inappropriate.
Miss Baartman, we all must bear responsibility and be held accountable.
Commute us then for not returning you home sooner, 187 years too late (you never should have left),
And for not laying you to rest heart, mind, body, and soul.
Is our unrest worthy enough?
Miss Sarah, forgive us, please. For in not seeing you, we were blind to ourselves.
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