Poetry : Evocative tresses
by C. Jeanne Brown

This piece is special to me, since my hair has suffered abuse and trauma by mine own hand, as I suffered abuse and trauma at the hands of others. As I reaffirm and reclaim myself, I revisit this piece some seven years later, that I might empower myself. More importantly, I offer it for submission that it might empower others.

Evocative tresses

Look at my hair
It is my crowning glory
Each and every curl
Telling a story
Spiraling and coiling
Back upon itself
Like the helix
Reciprocating my heritage
In curvilinear progression
Sovereignty in every circle
Capability in every curl
Whether nappy or kinky
With bee bees and buck shots
It is my hair
I am the motherland's heir
It is culturally defining
Self-refining
It makes a statement
With an African intent
Never disclaiming
My African descent

Copyright 2005 C. Jeanne Brown. All rights reserved. No part of this poem may be used without the express permission of the author. Please contact OurHair about reprint and usage.