THE HEART AND SOUL OF AFRICA
My heart belongs to Africa
Her essence brought my soul
back to the motherland
I walked on earth that already
recognized my footprints,
planted seeds in fertile soil and heard
the music of my ancestors in her voice
She wore the confidence of every
woman that raised me
I took her hand and carried her through
fire as repentance for all the sisters and
brothers that I couldn’t love while I was
waiting for her
She spoke in tongues that made
me feel invincible. Made me want to
protect her and her entire village.
Rule like the kings and queens that were
my ancestors before colonialism tried to
hunch their backs and break their spirits
Africa reclaimed my heart
Beckoned me to return to my roots
Asked for my forgiveness
Forgave all my past transgressions
and gave me back my crown.
J. Autherine is the author of the poetry books, the Heart and Soul of Black Women & Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul. This poem was inspired by her journey to Ghana and Senegal.
