Home Poem by Melvina Germain

I’m a Black female poet
stepping heavy upon this land.
Unafraid to speak my words
nor fear a racist hand.
Though I must walk with eyes wide open
in this prominent land of the free.
Still there’s no place like Canada
I’d truly rather be.
Whispering deceivers still line our golden streets.
and daggers pierce hard from those of ill intent.
Let the drums of peace sound the grandest beats.
All evil doers may the glow of love prevent.
Hidden behind, wretched, brutal lies,
desperation lives, see the hate stream from their eyes.
Afraid of the light of truth
and such talent generously given.
A bestowing of infinite gifts
shines a light upon my appreciation.
I walk proud with great strength,
and an inner beauty beneath my skin,
acknowledging my creator
mattering not where I’ve been.
Chains tried to restrict me,
fostered O so long ago.
My ancestors fought the battle
so I could vibrantly grow.
Now I walk with ease,
yet I still feel that pain
in the aftermath of the deadly breeze.
Physically, mentally tortured they have been,
now before me sways their spirits
in the warmth of the wind.
While new flesh bodies stand equipped
and raise a crippling, brutal bat,
O I’ll not bend nor succumb to such threat of all that.
Jealous, pounding rage, a cowardly captor
would love to see me caged.
Invisible hands pushed me down,
but each time I screamed no.

Tis not the time to lay still
no matter how hard the blow.
Rise up! take another step, yes that’s me,
and in this place called Canada
my resilience triumphs brilliantly.