For Ntozake Shange, October 18, 1948 – October 27, 2018

You came with your own things —
o lioness teacher—
Your battles draped over your body — like kisses —

You came with your own things —
o moon-loving preacher—
your courage’s dance flew — behind you— in yesses —

You came with your own things —
o honey-eyed speaker—
your definite heart — raising dreams — beyond wishes —
You came with your own things —
you knew how to reach Her —
o — queen’s — independence — o peace — beyond riches —

You came with your own things —
heart’s maker —and seeker—
The links of such loving — grow sisters, grow witches —