A Black Woman’s Voice

Lord, can you hear me, because I need to talk to you.

As I stand here before this mirror looking at the woman staring back at me.

I can’t help, but to wonder does the world really see who I am?

I mean, I am not perfect, because I have my faults.

But I am a good woman

I handle my business and take care of my family and myself.

And I know that sometimes I may come off a little hard or

too strong and independent, and I may even have an attitude,

but that is the way I protect myself from getting hurt.

But let the truth be told, I am just as vulnerable as anyone else

who is scared of getting hurt and disappointed.

See no one knows or understand, what it is to be me, a woman.

Not just any woman, but a black woman.

I have to prove myself not once, but twice just

Because I am a black woman.

It’s not easy being me, because I’m not just me

I am a mother, daughter, sister, friend, lover, wife and much more.

I don’t just take on my burdens, but I take on those burdens of others

Not because I want to but because I have too

And do I ever get a thank you, No I don’t

In return, I get lied on, talked about, walked on

And even knocked down

But through it all I say strong

I pull myself up and do like Jay-Z says

And brush the dirt off my shoulders; face my adversity head on and tell

those haters you can hate on me all you want

But you can never hold me down.

I just want everybody to see me, the real me

I want you not to demean me, but respect and celebrate me

Don’t hold me down, but uplift me

Don’t hate me, but embrace me with your love

But most of all I don’t ask this of you, but I demand it

Because I am your mother, daughter, sister, friend, lover, and wife

And I have been for many years

For I have loved you, laid with you, died for and with you

Because I have always and forever been Your Black Woman