IN THE AUTUM OF HER LIFE...

Beneath the cold gray skies---proudly

she stood.

Stripped bare, naked to the world, 

arms outstretched to the heavens,

unashamed, poised in her rooted dignity,

she stood.

Through the peep holes of windows

eyes reached out touching her beauty:

This ancient lady, an aged tree---glorified

in the autumn of her life.

With analogous reflections and flowing tears

I glorify my ebony hued mother---stripped

bare of her God given rights; yet she struggles on

with arms raised, poised in her dignity, shamelessly

she stands:

proudly mastering each day in the autumn of her life.