Strongblackwoman

I am strong. I am black.
I am a woman.
But I refuse to fit
The European myth
Of a Strongblackwoman.
For you see she is always telling me
To keep my hurt and pain inside
That a Strongblackwoman always has to hide
Her inner struggle which puts a limp in my stride.
Her voice says never let go of your pride.
Cuz when you put the depression aside
And take the time to think you’re not really that deprived.
Others ask how I’m feeling today,
The strongblackwoman tells me to say okay.
They acknowledge me to be polite tho I wish they didn’t ask
Cuz my life is moving so fast
And half the time I feel the world is kicking my strong black . . . behind.
I keep trying to stay ahead of time
Never getting the opportunity to rewind.
Because I never really checked myself
I blindly wrecked myself.
I’m not always together
I get rocked in stormy weather.
The mythical Strongblackwoman is pose to be
Very successful professionally
Handle all of life’s calamities
Be a rock for every soul in need
Expect less from her lovers than they do from her ya see?
Her credo is “no matter how ruff things get, handle it with dignity.”
But on the inside I developed a fear of imperfection and vulnerability.
Silenced anger was the state in which to be
Though I released it slightly in privacy.
Still for a strongblackwoman TLC comes rarely.
While taking care of the world she has to ignore
Her own needs her mental state becomes a chore.
From birth I thought strongblackwoman was my destiny.
But my ancestors’ never took on this personality.
An invulnerable superdiva was not their identity.
So tell me African history who was I meant to be?
The Africana women of royalty
Have shown themselves to be
Women of intellect, resource, courage and passion
And yes being vulnerable was included in that package.
But she did not fear her weaknesses
For she knew how to capitalize on her greatness.
For the only perfect being is the one most high
With my focus on Him I’ll have eternal life.
No longer will I abide by the Strongblackwoman’s code which led me astray
With God as my guide and my ancestors as counsel my spirit shall never decay.
I have the warrior heart of Nzinga
I have the ambition of Hatshepsut
I have the wise mind of Makeda
I have the love of Tiye.
They help me define my true identity.
The strongblackwoman’s “advice” I refuse.
But don’t get it confused
I’m still strong
Still black
Still a woman.
I am alla that.
But I am not gonna fit the mold for a stereotype
Created by an outsider which fills me with inner strife.
Like Maya Angelou I rise
I rise so my spirit can soar through the skies.
I am strong,
I am black,
I am a woman,
But I don’t need to know how to be a superdiva,
For I am a lot happier just being human.