CC Mercer Watson

BLACK LOVE

There is something between us that only we understand, 

The way our Mamas lick their thumbs to dig the sleep outta of our eyes,

The way our Grandmothers braid our hair down so that we can play outside all Summer,

The way our Daddies slip us our favorite candy when nobody’s looking,

The way our cousins build forts with us using every blanket, sheet, pillow, and box fan in the house,

The way our siblings fight with us, and then beat down anyone else that dare tries,

That’s Black Love,

Bringing Great-Grandma a plate, 

While she lays,

All 100 of her years, 

Propped in bed,

Celebrating with Grandpa when we caught fishes,

Singing songs with our Aunties,

While we snapped peas,

On the porch in the country,

The fire flies we caught in mason jars to light our night side tables,

The cod liver oil we had to take when the seasons changed,

And the spoonful of honey we ate,

To keep the sick away,

That’s Black Love,

From a moan that became a song in wooden bellies,

Plantation revolts,

To political revolution,

And don’t worry,

We know how to get loose, too,

Uncle making moonshine in the tub,

While we cut a rug,

Our parents would even wake us up,

To dance for company, 

And still get up for church on time,

Sundays are for choir robes,

Burning Sage,

Frying chicken,

Eating all day,

Watching the game,

Playing cards, 

Or dominoes,

And talking shit,

With hands raised in praise for all of it,

That’s Black Love, 

When you find the one,

Who knows your quirks,

Who also made mud pies in the dirt,

Whose Mama smacked them upside the head for not making their bed,

The one who challenges you to be better,

And also anticipates every need,

The one I don’t have to ask for a thing,

Cause it’s already given to me,

The one who understands Civil Rights,

And the plight of our People,

When I’m having a bad day,

And I don’t have to explain a single thing,

That’s Black Love,

Black Love is revolutionary,

Black Love endures,

Black Love is understood,

Between the lovers,

Our hood,

Our family,

Our friends,

Black Love is the beginning,

Middle,

And end,

Alpha and Omega,

Aloe Vera on a skinned knee,

Cocoa Butter and Shea,

Cornbread and collard greens,

Turnip bottoms, pot liquor, and bay leaves,

Block parties,

Debutante Balls and brass bands,

Crawfish boils and gloved hands,

Black Love is medicine,

To ease the hardships of this world,

We got us,

And love got us here,

There is something between us that only we understand,

And,

That’s, 

Black,

Love.