I have an extended family
That some would consider thieves
I hope you’ll understand me
While I depict the foliage of the leaves
My bigger brother Malcolm changed his name when he grew
My older sister Mya healed me by the things she went through
Cousin Fred was kilt but his dream stays alive
I have a couple of cousins named Assata who taught me to survive
& my distant cousin Pac musta had nine lives
While Patrice struggled and died cause of our government’s lies
Nelson was an elder that did time for loving me
Martin followed the steps of my wiser brother Gandhi
So many of my family died as strange fruit
While my red boned relatives were massacred by the troops
But we were separated from the root of the Earth
Cousin Alicia, thank you for reminding me of your worth
We use to take the medicines prescribed by Imhotep
But now our prescriptions are offered in front of our doorsteps
And in our streets and alley ways
Giving tangibles higher prays
We say Amen and even forgot who he was
If I didn’t mention your name don’t get mad at me cuz
Cause it is what it is and will be what it was
So as certain as the birds churp and the honey bees buzz
The past will circle and destroy our wicket ways
While our ancestors continue to fertilize the grounds in which we graze

peace