With her spine align and head held high,

I knew she was a strong woman of color,

like rare flower that blossoms from the soil of Eden,

her attitude and beauty were like no other.

Her teachings inspired me to believe in myself

when the possible seemed imposible to one another;

which is how I became successful in creating

the path for my community of sisters and brothers.

If only I could walk back through time,

in her arms I would smother,

as I said thank you to this incredible woman,

who I once called mother.