...always 

ASSumed 

GUILTY



found herself

amidst her people, but

fighting

chains&

hoses&

bullets&

dogs



grandmommy

got that head held high

                        on revolution tho

and no one knows who knows anything, 

       in prison

       in society

    (inseperable for her)



dedication was to her people

not her nation,

but she was always

true to her

self



story told of young rebel

growin up, growin older

wiser to the system 

she despises--

it taught her too much

she must do 

...something



more power to her

I mumble

stumbling for words to 

describe my awe

my reverence

my respect



her power is

            self-governing

amidst corruption



her power is 
 
            self-educated

despite lies



her power is

            self-respected

amidst inhumanity



her power is

            self-affirming

despite political warfare



her power is empowering



her power is: her power;



her,

power:



knowledge of self.

08/11/2002

Author's Note: Assata Shakur: woman, writer, and revolutionary

Posted on 08/11/2002
Copyright © 2024 Julie Adams