Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Resilient Path


The Resilient Path

In my veins runs an unholy communion, the rapist and raped.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

My disfigured torso bruised by animal skins weeping with fluids of freedom.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

An alien on a distant shore filled with isolationalist rulers enjoying the fruits of my labor.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

A passenger on metal carriages to a land filled with crumbling bricks.
Yet I still Survive. Elegua Aché

Poked by sharp containers filled with the hot dark juice of false hope.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

Forced to sit in white halls filled with lock-boxes of knowledge.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

Required to sit on wooden planks washed with red lies.
Yet, I still Survive. Elegua Aché

I was born from the oppressor and the oppressed.
Created to thrive. Elegua Aché

In the Afro Caribbean spiritual tradition of Santeria, Elegua is the opener of a path.  If you listen closely to Afro Caribbean music, Elegua it is often used before the a singer begins to sing. This is similar to Desi Arnaz using the deity Babalú before singing.