say my name
say my name
in a way that only lovers do
with a song in your voice
and a prayer in your heart.
callout my name
like a lover who wanders
still tethered to a home,
still disparaged by doors.
write my name
and carry it with you.
carry my roots the way you’ll carry my children
wrapped in security
safeguarded, saved.
dance to me your esoteric dance
sway me in your lines and loops
guide me through your dips and swoops,
your hands in mine,
mine in yours.
say my name
and sing my name.
hold my name on your tongue
and let every rasp find its way to me.
let every inflection call for introspection
of this love and this admiration.
say my name and decide that this calling
is worthy of being written
on the walls of your home
and the valves of your heart,
say it with intention.
say it with the gall of a martyr
and the sagacity of a scholar.
teach it to the kids who outlive me,
to the men who couldn’t hold me,
and to the moon that watched over me.
say my name,
habka kuwa jecel jacal.
say my name,
sidi safraayen isku wacal.
say my name,
as i have entrusted you to speak it.
H.A Wadi 2019
