My Girls texts - Gwyneth Walker

Poems used in the choral cycle My Girls (1998)Poetry by Lucille CliftonMusic by Gwyneth WalkerThis Morningthis morningthis morningcoming ini met myselfa brightjungle girlshiningquick as a snakea talltree girl ame girli met myselfthis morningcoming inand all dayi have beena black bellringingi survivesurvivesurvive

To My Girls[last note to my girls]my girlsmy girlsmy almost memellowed in a brown bagheld tight and strainingat the toplike a good lunchuntil the bag turned weak and wetand burst in our honeymoon rooms.we wiped the mess anddressed you in our name andhere you aremy girlsmy girlsforty quick fingersreaching for the door.i command you to begood runnersto go with gracego well in the dark andmake for the high groundmy dearest girlsmy girlsmy more than me.

Sistersme and you be sisterswe be the same.me and youcoming from the same place.me and yoube greasing our legstouching up our edges.me and yoube scared of ratsbe stepping on roaches.me and youcome running high down purdy street one timeand mama laugh and shake her head atme and you.me and yougot babiesgot thirty-fivegot blacklet our hair go backbe loving ourselvesbe loving ourselvesbe sisters.only where you singi poet.