Won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.

Illustration by: Chiara Criniti | “Campidoglio” | Collage su carta | 33,5 x 22,5cm | 2020 | @chiaracriniti

Lucille Clifton, “Won’t you celebrate with me” from Book of Light. Copyright © 1993 by Lucille Clifton.