poetry

“The Legacy of Hoss and Little Richard”

My grandfathers gave me knives
To accompany my razor sharp tongue, intellect,
Sarcastic and rapier like wit
They wrapped me in a confidence that kept
Me

Warmer than my grandmother’s quilts
They boosted my ego, determination and confidence inked their heritage into my skin

My grandfathers gave me an edict
That protected me past
Society’s numeration of my assets
Ensuring that I cultivated my self-worth
They refused to let me be seen as merely black, female, and defenseless