African Woman - Elizabeth Njeri Waweru

I am African.
I am a proud African.
I am very rich in kindness.
The kindness I often extend to the enemy.
Before they attempt to assassinate my authentic being.

I am Njeri.
I am a proud Njeri.
I am the name that has passed through generations.
Njeri represents resilience of generations of women.
My name, the name of my grandmother, and many others before her.

I am melanin.
I am a proud black woman.
I, daughter of the sun, one with fire.
The sun doesn't burn me, it shines in me.
That is why they couldn't burn me, like a phoenix, I rise again.

I am tinted.
I am proud of all my shades.
I could be deep tanned, caramel, mocha, you name them...
All of me is beautiful, all my shades shine through the darkest of nights.
Funny how I am the black one, but I shine the brightest in light and in darkness.

I am angry.
I am proud to say that I am.
What else could I be when the world delights at beating me down.
When the world is not stepping on me, it's judging me for reacting.
What! Am I just supposed to smile as your giant shoe hits my face?

I am love.
I am proud to be it's embodiment.
The world should thank the heavens that I am love.
Woe if I did an eye for an eye, how blind the world could be.
With great power comes great responsibility, I have been gracious with my power.
It is time for the blinding lights, to show the world I am no meek, I am power.

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Elizabeth Njeri Waweru (21st century) Kenya

Source: Poetry.net