won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
Lucille Clifton (USA, 1936 – 2010) from Book of Light. Copyright © 1993 by Lucille Clifton (Copper Canyon Press)
Source: Poetry Foundation
Cover: wall poetry in Bordeaux (France) ph. Diana Marrone