Because They Stood
The grandmothers’ shoulders were broad
Cream-colored, sepia, walnut, and black
Sometimes ridges, like the edges
Of the furrows they tilled
Ribbonned their backs and shoulders
They supported the known world
Like Atlas held up the heavens
They stood proud and strong
On the broad shoulders of these wide-hipped women,
My grandmothers and their grandmothers,
On their convictions
Their work
Their dreams
I stand proud and strong
Grateful to be here right now |
| My Nanaw and Me |
