Lived Experience

Poem by Gloria O’koye

Degrees & diplomas

Reflect hard work but the heart may need

To go further.

Knowledge from books cannot be

The Sole Provider.

Vice Versa from the street raised babies

That would rise with a boost of guidance

To reach higher.

Panels & Committees can do so much

Without the humanity spoken by those

Who are most impacted.

Bureaucracy will forever be a human trait

So the cycle will never end,

Because no one could benefit

If the roots were ripped away

When being addressed.

Code switching,

Sugar coating,

Appeasing the privilege that have the choice to tune out

While others were taught to endure.

Silent battles.

Loud wars.

Invitations of false hope to make a change

Will end in disappointment

And burnouts

Until the last straw finally explodes.

What is the use of elaborate titles

When words are diluted to the point

Of duct taping the lips?

Why bother inviting living proof of trauma

Only to just add more in censored discussions

And white-out key notes out of meetings?

Potency of relating to the people

Cannot just be used when it’s a hot topic.

Reopening wounds and endangering lives for personal gain

Will only send Karma running down doors

Knocking.

To those that felt used,

Don’t allow corporate greed to taint

The amazing work that was gifted to you,

Your rewards will be in abundance.

Wicked intentions will face their time

Just as the blessings will arise on your own journey.

Continue to keep a clean heart and

Keep on pushing!