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Bye, Big Sis
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
11 May 2022
Bye, Big Sis

                                                                                                          Bye, Big Sis

Cred befo’ ‘Ree cried: R-E-S-P-E-C-T for
the record; Feminist befo’ we knew its name
pre-Panther Radical, Mama Harriet-style, you
packed that Luger before there was unpacking,
centering, contextualizing.
You trained with brothers who became BPP
fore there was intersectionality.
You spoke Spanish; Swahili; handled your French;
Italian; German; Arabic—crossing teas; dotting eyes…

But Caffie wrenched the gun from your hand—
putting her children in your hands—weaponizing
Us, instead of losing you—shooting some cop.
Made you magnificent mentor ‘stead of middling martyr— Community-building big
sis; ‘stead of forgotten #????????

We, younger brothers and sisters, stared as you strode lioness-like through sun shards
on “The Stem—”
Bunchy’s beloved Central Avenue! We watched
how you navigated an apartheid City of Angels—
Ruled by devils. Cuz we longed to make you proud…

We, younger brothers and sisters, watched as you walked the world down in wondrous
ways, from the feet of Elder/soldiers who’d fled up south from Hell.
We watched you seize the time as elder/soldier—
beautiful, statuesque, warrior woman—baddest,
blackest ‘fro this side of Angela. You came equipped! Skillsets/talents taking you
‘round the world in its wine,  weed, drums, dance, food, fashion funky-ness— even Porkchop torture! Your po’ kidneys/Pay or Die Disease-‘care!’

We, younger brothers and sisters, watched as you birthed Black beauty into our chalky
worlds. Our first live theater. Sitting in the dark. Eyes bugged out; hot young minds
blown… You on stage
Baldwin’s words in your mouth! You: Sister Boxer. Whitman Mayo: Brother
Boxer/your husband. We: Your Amen Cornerfor life…

© 2022. Raymond Nat Turner, The Town Crier. All Rights Reserved.

Los Angeles
Black Panther Party

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