Mentor Series #2

The Poets

Safiya Henderson-Holmes

1950-2001

She spoke Madness and A Bit of Hope.

A Revolutionary

loaning her Voice to those whispering from the fringes:

rape survivors

the incarcerated

immigrant women

Released from silence those trapped in domestic violence.

Her poetry voicing shelter to the homeless seekers of a place in the light of the american dream.

Safiya was fire, rain, joy, sarcasm, pain, grace

Her Words volatile, electrifying, introspective

Safiya is a precious gift, still resonating in our

community consciousness

Missing you, I remember that

Wild Women Never Get The Blues

It’s alright woman!

It’s alright woman!

It’s alright woman!

I honor Safia, and all Women of Poetry, with this quilt.

“Before leaving on one summer sabbatical,

Safiya handed me the keys to her apartment. “Write!” she said.

“And...remember to water my plants!” She gave me a quiet place to pick up my pen; a place to write the me I was to become.”