Da’Sheme Hosley

My Culture

By Da’Shemé Hosley

When I look back on it

My culture is beautiful

Despite the corruption from those in the past

Despite the wreckage and alterations

The separation and misplacement

I venture through life with my culture

Bearing my ancestors customs

Going on through a sanguine form of their lifestyle

I admire my culture

I admire the divine

The locs, and braids

Twists and coils

Bougie fashion

extravagant jewelry

I admire the excellence

Versatile music

Elaborate mannerisms

Perseverance through intolerance

Intelligence driving to success

My culture is intellect

My culture is success

My culture starts trends

It is sought after and desired

A treasure intangible to many

But blessing numerous beings

Blessing them with experience

Beauty

Excellence

Intellect

And ability

My culture grants power

Despite those who see it as a burden

Who might see it as a nuisance

It shines

Through the ditches

people try to hide it in

It shines

I would not want an existence without it

I would detest a world without it

My culture is not only how I live but why

My culture drives my aspirations

I owe not only my present guardians but ancestors before

To utilize my ability

The power provided to me

To achieve, to accomplish

I owe it to them to prevail

To conquer

To excel and triumph

to achieve greatness

My culture is strength

My culture is my expression

How I speak

What I wear

My very presentation

Is Built off of it

The memories of my culture?

As I look back on it

And live in it now

My culture is beautiful