Today my henna speaks volumes

 Because I had forgotten it was there.

But immediately when I remembered I felt at peace

I felt pride. I felt as though I was standing up for what I believed in

I felt as though I was in a community meeting advocating the rights of my people

I felt as I was planting seeds in a new community garden in Oakland

I felt as though I was protesting police brutality

I felt as though I was watching my afterschool programs kids learn the value of respect

And my highschoolers the power within resilience

I felt love, I felt justice, I felt home

Today my henna silently speaks to my mind, heart and soul

When my henna fades, 

what it signifies will be lived out in me and in the work of my community.

That gives me peace

That gives me justice.