She has the silent strength of hope, like in a hurricane
The quiet voice that guides your fears from reality
The kind of strength that stretches bends and twists like two pieces of hair that never break
Bonds that never sever but connect muscle tissue and brown skin
Brown skin that bears the weight of Queendom
She loves beyond the scopes of her own creations
Yearns to be entangled with the unconditional
So she offers all crown and glory, gut and testimony
For her kingdom
All air for her heirs
Even if It means she suffocates in silence
Her words of advice may have fell on deaf ears
But she will not release the weight of responsibility no matter the heaving.
Heavy is the light of her glow
Praise, is the prism of her reflection
She is the original image of what it means
And what it takes to be an artist
A queen, befitting her throne
A symbol of what empowerment looks like
She is the perfect cast to mold
The perfect role to model
What I mean to say is…
If I could use one word to describe her — magnificent
One word that tried to destroy her — cancer
One word that ensued — battle
Your battle gives hope!
There are battles scars
Where scar tissues are reminiscent of a heavy heart
Like your treasure chest has been through a few things.
A few things to note — hope at a bar in an 8 second conversation
The facts of life…is unexpected
About the facts of life — you lost your hair…
But not your crown, warrior still proud, my divine lady.
Everyone will know not the battle that waged
Under your skin but remember
The poet!!! Your personality!!! The character!!! Of a queen
Who sits on her throne making those who pass by aware of the happiness life has to offer
So never give up! We depend on you! This cancer you speak of?
It only affects your mortal frame, showing us how human you are.
Reminding us that Life is short, that the battles are long and to win will come at a great cost
But you have learned its secrets… Family –- stands by your love — surrounds you, and its value — is immeasurable
2day I have learned one thing — it wasn’t that you had cancer; it was the strength you possess,
The kind of woman you are — QUEEN and no single cell or entity can rip that from your breast
So If I could use one word that describes your outcome with cancer — Conqueror
For you will always be more than a survivor … but a Conqueror
I dedicate this poem to my poetry sister Marie Michaelle Saintil. Since the first time I met her at her book signing, we supported each other with love, poetry and dedication to the arts. It was always a blessing for me when we got together and I will continue to carry her legacy in the arts forward. I want to thank her for living her truth, sharing her life’s work and changing so many lives along the way — including mine. I’ve had the honor of sharing this poem with her live and I hope it encourages all those who face similar circumstances.
“For you will always be more than a survivor, but a conqueror”
