C.2001 M. Bennett Hooper

I dare you to love me in my present state of confusion.
A confusion created by my inability to accept limitations
set upon my life.
Limitations which scream a mantra of can’t do when they really mean don’t do.
I dare you to love me and chance getting burned by my fire
which rages like molten lava moving slowly engulfing all
within its’ path.

Covering, smothering, transforming what you alone seek
to bear and bearing defile by your cowardice.
I dare you to love me when your rivers of love have frozen
and you are young no more.
And cannot hear that my heart still beats in shared unison with
yours and will forever.
I dare you to love me when your eyes weakened by time
and filled with tearless wonder behold my coming liberation.


wwThe liberation that leads to eternal wandering no more
but proclaims I dare you to love me.
I shall love you even from the depths of my covered grave
when I can dare no more.
I shall sing upon the winds of time.
I dare you to love me.
A proud, strong, and true Black woman.