these hair strands dance along with the wind
these hair strands can freeze time and
tumble down walls
that were built by
mental segregation
racial barriers
they’ll say it’s too wild
too out there
unmanageable
because it does not flow with the social norms of what is right and beautiful enough
these crowns will mend broken stereotypes
they will stand when they are continually attacked for existing
for being different
brave
for telling stories about our ancestors who would weave their hair and fearlessly untie it
to let it stand
these roots are not a curse
these roots are symbols that black women can stand the test of time
even though we are constantly fighting
to exist
to matter
to be heard
to be ourselves
without having to explain ourselves
wrestling with words of self-doubt
skin too dark
lips too big
voices too loud
hair too this and that
these crowns represent untold stories
strength
boldness
and if it means that we have to fight
to fill our wholeness in this hallow world
Then so be it!