Dear Ancestors

Christine Platt is the author of the award-winning novel, The Truth About Awiti. In her first collection of poetry, Christine reflects on the history and complexities of the African diaspora. Dear Ancestors is a poetic homage to the past and present.

dear ancestors
you survived
you live
on my full lips
in the bend of my curls
reflecting in the melanin dancing on my skin
within the words i write
speak
your tears are my tears
for our past and present
whenever i breathe
i give thanks to you
— from Dear Ancestors