The Reveal

The Reveal

(Updated after I learned that on this day Assata Shakur gained her wings.)

I came upon her quietly,

between the bars.

At first, just folds of fabric—

draped grace,

the curve of a back

bowed in what seemed like

some “adult” task

I wasn’t meant to interrupt.

My footsteps softened

in that hush of grown-up doing,

the stillness

of something sacred

not yet revealed.

Then, I saw her.

Not just a woman,

but Mother—

not mine, but ours—

rooted in granite,

wrapped in strength.

In her hands,

a cage—

not holding,

but opening.

And the birds—

not fleeing

but free.

They stayed

because they wanted to.

Her face held

the weight of knowing,

and the lightness of letting go.

I read the sign:

“Unbound.”

And it was.

So was I.

Later I learned

Assata Shakur

had gone home that day.

And somehow,

it made sense—

how freedom

shows herself

in more than one form,

and how sometimes

the stone breathes

when a spirit

finally flies.