Remembering Kwanzza
I announced, “Happy Kwanzza!”
Out of a genuine gesture
Of brotherhood
Without doubting whether I should
To a fellow stranger
Who was not in my brown
Skin
He was filled with wonder when
The words spilled out of my mouth
And asked, “Are you talking to me?”
Of course I am, I replied
It IS about unity and building
Relationships
“Oh!” he said with a startled look
Passing along the surprise in his
Eyes to the multi-heritage child
Whose hand he held
“Happy Kwanzza!” she erupted
Breaking the quiet stillness in
The check-out line
Barely old enough to speak or
Understand
—maggie d., African American poet, Washington.