~A Master's in Life~

The journey, the love, the value...

I've been around the world in my own front yard,

met all kinds of people, some soft some hard.

Watched children being born on the living room floor,

through drug addicted mother's who didn't need anymore.

I've seen young black men being slayed in the streets,

future generations branded like cattle in the wastelands of humanity.

I've seen young women being physically abused, verbally assaulted and forcefully diffused.

I've experienced child abuse at first hand, and know precisely what it feels like to be treated with brutal disregard and un-remorseful reprimand.

I've seen the destruction of drug infested souls, mentally, emotionally and permanently disposed.

I've seen the devastating affects guns leave on the souls of time, that vision is permanently engraved in my mind.

I've watched to many of our children become victims of their own demise, been present at too many funerals with standing room only, holding one another up between why's and cries.

I've seen a lot of death over the past forty years, saw a lot of sorrow, shed a lot of tears,

the journey I've been on hasn't afforded me time to worry about what tomorrow may be, just getting through one day is like living an eternity.

I'm not just the girl next door, or someone you pass on the journey of life, I am your sister, mother, grandmother, relative, I may even someday be a wife.

I come from a long line of strong African women, who plowed their way through rough terrain, to which we all could have a reason for living, striding and continuing.

So as we gaze upon the landscapes of humanity, I want you to remember how my master's in life came to be.

Original Draft:April, 2014
(©)copyright;KarenRussell