Cotton Tree Credibility

On the day I was born

The sun kissed my skin in Sierra Leone

Yet, I’ve heard all my life “You are not an African!”

“Why then is your physique not like Sarah Baartman?”

(the Venus with the derriere of a goddess that even Serena couldn’t compete with)

I’ve been told that I lack the criteria to be considered ‘ethnic’ since no chief’s daughter

Would have a name like Palmer

But I am backed by Cotton Tree credibility

Blessed with Krio history

In addition to the Mende birthright that my Nana passed on to me

See I ascend from the world’s greatest chess players

Pawns that respected the rules

Although they were forced to move

In an illegal triangular fashion to different global regions

I was fashioned after bishops

Who interceded with their eyes squinted

When traveling through dark squares

Knowing that in either realm the adversary could appear

I am a rebel with the bravery of knights

Who relied on constellations of light

For the Bright Morning Star told the Drinking Gourd to guide them home

I have the genome of the Black loyalists

Who even when relocated to enemy territory never turned their backs on their queens

I have the strength and the optimism of kings

Trelawny maroons who even when stale mated refused to believe that the match was over

I possess the devotion of Nova Scotians

Who would rather die than to surrender their rooks

And took insults like “Go back where you came from!”

Responding “Gladly” when granted their right to freedom

So let it be known that as I wear the Ashobi of a half-caste legacy

Pride still pours out of me

With the gentry of the Black Poor castling onto the shores of St. George

It’s like dejavu as I connect with the Aku exclaiming “Unu Kushe-o!”

So in their defense (and mine)

I say that I’m

The lady brought out

And brought up to ride on the backs of lions

I am Africa

A woman grandmaster

Who responds to each critic with sheer dignity

And with that being said...

“Udat go chek mi?” (translated: who gon check me?)