Hello Afrobiz community, P.S. Lander here! (P.S. as in my initials and as in P.S., Lander is the one who wrote this). I began writing poetry in adolescence as an outlet for when I felt silenced as a young black female. Whenever I tried to challenge teachings of distorted histories or resist covert racism, I felt helpless and silenced by the opposing adults: However, I realized as an adult that I am only perpetuating my own silencing by keeping my poetry to myself : Each one teach one and poetry can be the platform from which I educate others about the injustices my people face; such as the many ways we lose our loved ones to an oppressive system riddled with racism and injustice. Poetic Justice reflects this dire need for a platform from which I can have my truth be heard . When society silences you sometimes spoken word is the only podium from which you can give your speech.

-Patrice Lander

Poetic Justice

I will not be silenced
My rights you will not breach
Seems like poetry is the podium
From which I'll give my speech
From behind the pulpit
The only time they let me preach
Is this my only reach
The last opportunity to teach
Well I'll gladly bleed this knowledge
So cling on like a leech

Mothers are crying
Father's are dying
Brothers are trying
We aren't lying

Sisters are bearing
Families are tearing
Communities are fearing
But you stay not caring

But still they are rising
Ladders they keep climbing
Even when it's knocked down
You see them crawling
Not the path now on the ground

They won't be tied down
They won't be held back
All because the fight
Doesn't cater to your cause

Poetic Justice
This is my poetic justice
poetry is the podium
This poem is my speech
From behind the pulpit
The only time they let me preach

P.S. Lander