Still Rising

(Response to And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou) Refusing to ever descend after My mother, grandmother, great grandmother Have all endured broken wings To ensure that I would one day be able to catch wind I rise Because Maya said so Explaining to me my existence Is never burden Not curse No, I am heavenly Her voice like gospel And I will always respond to good news I rise Because I was birthed from dead flames So you’re damn right I’ve been through hell I rise Because too many Will find satisfaction in my downfall I’ve been hunted like duck season Aiming at my every move, so yes They will be upset when I make it out alive I rise Cuz I know no other direction Built into me like going south for winter Internal compass passed down Through North Star guidance This is instinct There is nowhere to go but Up