Louise Nelson Poet Dramatic Verse

When One Queen Stands, Another Can Rise

Recy Taylor was assaulted 
then threatened to be killed 
she was told to be silent 
but that was not her will 
instead she spoke up
she challenged the racial status quo
she demanded accountability 
yet justice did not show 
but 11 years later along came 
another Black Queen
who refused to be silent
who demanded to be seen 
for when one Queen stands, another can rise 
and when Black women stand for their rights
no need to act surprised 
for we rise with purpose to clear pathways
we rise to forge bridges that will uphold
those battles coming another day 

Vashti said no, to being exploited by her King 
she refuse to be exhibited as any man's play thing 
she was not about to be displayed 
in a wine drenched den of iniquity 
she stood her ground and wouldn't back down. 
she kept her dignity 

she was in the palace fostering communities 
among her sisters
she was pouring into them 
teaching them to be feminine resisters 
her no, was necessary considering her situation 
as you don't have to say yes to everything 
which can cause you complications 

sisters, we are doing too much 
and we need to slow it down
It's okay to say no. 
yes, it's okay to stand your ground 
we need to take off the weight 
and stop always saying yes
we need the comprehend 
and to learn to do what for us is best 
Vashti's no set the stage
for all womankind 
she said no to give permission 
to every woman coming behind 

For such a time as this 
a love that's diminishes 
is not a love that deserves our devotion 
and for the King to ask her to walk around naked 
was nothing more than demotion
because a love that's silences
a love that disrespects,
a love that tears us down 
It's not a love that's strengthens us 
nor love that's deep or profound 

Vashti said no to a system 
that denied her self-worth
she refused to participate in the system 
that has dismissed her since her birth 
Yes, Black Queens are qualified 
but are always devalued and depreciated
they take our talent, they take our accomplishments, 
yet we're never truly elevated

but God rises up Black woman 
yes He elevates Black Queens 
and we will stand. 
we will command 
and make sure we are seen 

for when one Queen stands, another can rise

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment