Tears into Gardens

When we cry, our ancestors cry with us.

Their tears drop in the form of rain;

a pure and silent grief.

The rain kisses our cheeks and glides off our bodies.

Heals cracks in the earth,

loosens soil for early graves,

and grows gardens to remind us life is still possible...

When we cry the earth roars.

Roles anger off its tongue like lava.

Screams out in thunderstorms and earthquakes.

Unleashes hurricanes to run wild in fits of rage.

Never-ending until the slaughter of its people is over.

When we cry, our hearts ache as one.

Every step taken, is one in unison towards the path of justice.

Every breath a silent prayer, pleading they stop taking our breaths away.

Every look, one of love for everything they hate about us.

And every fist a promise,

A promise that we are done with what they say it means to be black and beautiful

When we cry… you should be crying with us.

Iggy Smith, Grade 10

Creative Writing Major

"Tears into Gardens" was Awarded a Silver Key from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards