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I.
Crystal Black Soldier that sits on the top shelf of Grandma's China closet
You are so beautiful.
Your dark ebony skin appears smooth like fine silk.
Your bright ivory teeth glisten in the light from Grandma's chandelier.
Your finely chiseled body echoes of power.
You are all that Crystal Black!
II.
Crystal Black Soldier,
How I long to reach up and take you down from the shelf,
To take you in my arms and hold you,
To lick the scars and bruises you have suffered from our oppressor,
To take your heart in my hands and massage away all the hurt, all the sorrow, all the pain,
To cling to the broad shoulders that have borne so much,
To peer deep into your eyes and see my reflection.
I long to love you Crystal Black Soldier.
III.
Crystal Black Soldier,
How I respect you.
You stand strong and tall.
Day after day you wrestle with the world
To reclaim your hidden past
To control your uncertain present
To lay hold of a more liberated future.
Forever marching on,
Yet standing firm on your beliefs, your culture, your faith.
Fight on Crystal Black Soldier.
IV.
Crystal Black Soldier
You are
A credit to our people
A tribute to our ancestors
A vessel of God.
---By Carmen M. McGill
© 1994