crowns of braided hair
on the soft strength of girlhood and femininity
I still remember
Fingers braiding hair
Pulling tightly, an act of love
Of girlhood, we all share
On buses and in classes
Everywhere we’re told we shouldn’t
The quiet rebellion of softness
Springs up and never passes
What fools label as vanity
Is what defines
Our lovely
Breathtaking humanity
Be careful of our care
Fairest of the unfair
Despite all that happens
Cruel and vile
Even our sharpness is beautiful
There is an ethereal danger to our smile
Even braiding, and its precious bond
Is painful
Soft is our storm
So very powerful
Together we are one
Hair and hands and
Sharp and warm
Together
We transform
In our refusal to part with our femininity
We fight
So, my friend
My darling, my dear
Have no fear
Will you braid my hair tonight?