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(Poetry)

Leslie M. Watson
Washington, D.C.

Yes, Preacher I also
"stand in the need of prayer"
to be an instrument
to face the future
to be courageous
absent the anger
that gives me strength
that defines the woman
that I am.
I agree that much,
too much,
is predicated upon
yesterday-yesteryears;
however, Preacher
to be an instrument
to face the future
to be courageous
my armor -- my shield
is the hate
the bitterness
the ugliness
the pain - my pain
and I am not yet
ready to,
in your words,
"drown in the sea of forgiveness"
for my freedom
absent the hate
frightens me more
than the crack dealers on my street
or
the questions about tomorrow,
the loneliness ...
Yes, Preacher, I also
"stand in the need of prayer"
cause I'm just not ready
to be like Ruth ....


Published in In Motion Magazine January 4, 2001.