In honor of National Poetry Month this April, I’m excited to share an original piece from a phenomenal woman, LaRinda Jackson. I met LaRinda at the 7th Annual Women Sharpening Women Retreat & Conference in Hunt Valley, MD, where she presented this poem and it ignited power in all the women in the room. There are many words to adequately portray LaRinda, but a few are instantaneous, creative, diligent and a person with strong determination. She’s dependable with a loving sincere heart. LaRinda’s determination will cultivate her writings and also fabricate and embrace her uniqueness as she insures herself a place in the literary industry.
Thank you LaRinda for your wonderful gift of creativity and empowerment!
We Should Be Addressed as Such!
A poem by: LaRinda Jackson
We can see right past those intricate masks.
give sophisticated answers to any questions asked!
Raise 1 or 10 children through struggle and strife
run major corporations and be a supportive wife
Converse with the big-wigs or holla atcha in the hood
Say “Absolutely wonderful!” Or “haaay, it’s all good!”
Put you in your place, without sayin’ much – we are intellectual black sistas,
……..who should be addressed as such!
Possessing the strength of the strongest foundation
Our voices speak volumes heard throughout the nation
our hands grasp doubt and turn it into hope
These hands have cut society’s limitation ropes
Because there is no limit to the strength we possess
The determination we have, our courage, or our prowess.
The force of our power can be felt with one touch we are strong black Queens……..who should be addressed as such!
Our heart contains love in its purest form
Unconditional, absolute, and everyday reborn
our love can surpass the most grueling of tests
It supplies assurance where there is unrest
our love bonds, shapes, molds, and holds
It begins from birth, to “infinity-years-old”
You can even feel it without physical touch – we are loving black women,
……..so we should be addressed- as such!
The passion that is swelling, brewing inside
Rises to our surface, it never hides
Whether it’s displayed when we take a stand
or when seductively unveiled for our man
Its intensity is unrestrained and uninhibited
And just like our strength, it is unlimited
It can be overwhelming, for some, it’s a bit much
we are passionate black queens…. who should be addressed as such!
Intellectual, strong, loving, passionate, sophisticated, powerful, affectionate, immaculate
We are not anyone’s hoochies, b___, or hoe
We are the center of life, more than this world will ever know
We are sisters, aunties, nieces, and mothers
we stand boldly beside our brothers, not behind them.
Yes, we come in different shapes, shades, and sizes
And no one can deny us when we rise
our style is captivating, thank you very much –
we are beautiful black unapologetic queens,
who should be …addressed as such!
Lynnecia S. Eley is Founder & Managing Editor of Soigne’ + Swank Magazine. She is a career-driven entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she is an award-winning University Assistant Dean and Adjunct Professor committed to excellence, dedication, and caring for others. Known as the Confidence Doula, Lynnecia is a best-selling author and coach, a founder of Two Queens Media and Black & Ivy League, Inc. You can learn more about Lynnecia and her platforms at www.shecaninspire.com.