Panorama
 
Blackness is a pleasure.
      I can imagine
           the long line
               of women
     who look like me
       & wonder where
           their bodies end
               & mine begins.
      Flesh of chocolate
     A face checked
         by the hand of God.
 
    My DNA is made
      of blood, sweat & tears.'
           I was formed
               by the whip, the field
               & the chain.
 
     Centuries later,
     I embody words, books
       & knowledge.
 
All my people watched the inferno of our bloodline.
     To see my phoenix, take flight
          Mama, can you see my light?
      I apologize for what I didn't do when you were alive.
                 I am here.

---

Shirley Jones-Luke is a poet and a writer. Ms. Luke lives in Boston, Mass. She has an MFA from Emerson College. Shirley's poems focus on culture, race, and womanhood.  Her work has earned her spots at Breadloaf, Tin House, and VONA