I manifested my solo Living artist loft dreams on my first salary + benefits paying job in my early 20s in this historic Black Panther neighborhood n found out I was pregnant right here on the third floor
I walked to BART rode to the Fruitvale n spent my days in the streets protesting, Teaching, studying, speaking at OUSD board meetings n working on the founding design team of Latitude 37.8 High School — a Life offering
I got my Self right here n left a part of me too
thank you for keeping me, raising me, humbling me,
to my many mentors n elders the OGs who watched out for me while I wandered
to the youth who give us direction n hope
thank you for protecting me, West Oakland
a divinely Black Feminine city
one of my favorite Mothers
take me back someday?
emBodied melody 