Sister of Light (a tribute to Audrey Lorde, November 1992)

Patricia Harkins

1) You and I,
Sisters beneath the skin,
Attempt the impossible every day,
Are broken each night,
On Time’s relentless wheel.
We share the bloodiness of failure.
Our labors of love
Yield barren fruit;
Our harvest of words
bitter bread.

2) You, walking proud and black,
I, walking tall and white,
Unicorns with rainbow eyes,
Bear on our broad backs
Burdens of joy

Copyright © Patricia Harkins