segregated. punctuated & separated.

shelved in columns and deathly rows

skeletons lay bare on a white page

bound together – circumscribed scripture.

black stories need to be sung – griots.

letters failed, they never reached.

never expressed our aesthetic.

put meat back on those bones

awaken the griot.

chide those who lacerate

beauty to – black body to

black skeletons to – chalky burials.

black skeletons will boogie

only if the griot within sings.

INNOCENT OWUOR