A yellow woman approached me
Slanted were her eyes
And asked why she had never seen a black woman cry.
I could answer not her question
And was taken quite aback
Does not every woman cry no matter yellow white or black?
We absolutely do cry.
What else consoles our pain?
We pray for our oppressors and then we cry to calm our shame.
A black woman’s tears are sacred.
They cleanse her as she weeps
But sorrow sends to soil her soul and steadily it creeps.
She cries when she’s with wisdom
There’s none left to do but cry
Her lament surrendered honest, it needs not an alibi.
After pondering the ponder
I believe I’ve found reply
I know why it is you’ve never seen a black woman cry.
Seldom are her whispers heard
Far too often she’s invisible
The world around her seems to think that she’s somehow invincible.
She runs nowhere when she’s wounded
Pain enough to want to die
Silently she suffers as she finds the will to try.
Perhaps you’ve never noticed
Truly coming eye to eye
Maybe that is why you’ve never seen a black woman cry
She cries because she knows
People think she doesn’t cry
And she doesn’t need
or feel
or think
or know
or want
or die.
~Rachelle M. Turple
BlackLit101 
Reblogged this on Determined to Implement and commented:
Here is a powerful poem by Rachelle M. Turple #blackgirlzrock
Do you want to be a published author or poet?
http://www.fortitudepublications.com
Great Pick BlackLit101!!!
I think I wrote that poem nearly 10 years ago… I’m sitting on a lot of womanist musings! LOL
I’d like to learn more about Fortitude Publications… Definitely
~R
Were still small. Finishing up book and about to start promotion. Want to be a venue for AA women to share their stories. My determinedtoimplementwordpress.com geared to prepare AA women to build their own empire. Check out both sites.
Rachelle, I think this poem speaks volumes of your talent. But above that, it speaks of pain, power and also pride. Three p’s = A+
This should be sung, and I know you have the voice for it. One day I will wait to hear you sing again xxx
Thank you Heidi! I appreciate everything you’ve said All of the encouragement! Good friends are the truest of blessings and I’m glad that you find my words and voice inspirational. Makes me wanna shine my lil all the more 🙂
~Rachelle
That was very moving and heartfelt.You’ve obviously been writing for years. You have a true gift. Keep it up!
Thank you again, your words are appreciated.
Yes, I have been writing since I was about 6 or so and poetry has always been my first love with essays coming in second 🙂
I’m glad that you appreciate my work, please continue reading and sharing as I plan to keep on writing!
~Rachelle
You are very talented and it shows in all your writing. It’s a honor to read such lovely words. And you’re doing a great service by sharing it with others. I will definitely be reading all your future posts.
It’s a pleasure to share! Feel free to share as well 🙂
Follow me on Twitter @ BlackLit101
A lot of sharing going on there too! lol
~R
I’m way ahead of you! I’m already following you on Twitter!lol