first time i met poetry

first time I met poetry

it frightened me

into believing lyrical word sounds

possess power.

discovered it

was born in me,

could feel

it rumbling up through my voice.

poetry opened my eyes

to see,

it tuned my ears

to hear.

poetry empowered me to be—

to become

one more strong branch

growing out of that ancient Black Poet-

Tree.

Ubuntu*

(Zulu)

*A quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity.

©2022