Audre Lorde

 

I never knew you,

I don’t know you now.

I don’t know half of what would help me

speak my truth.

You tell me that my silence

will not protect me,

even though I have learned

it’s safer to hold my thoughts within.

 

I recognize, accept, and celebrate

our differences and the similarities

that make us sisters.

I want to be like you: powerful voice,

strength in vision.

You teach me it is not important

if I am afraid,

as long as I speak.

 

I am learning to define myself for myself,

not holding back for the world,

as I speak from the strength

of these words.