PRACTICE PATIENCE

MIAMI UNIVERSITY SPRING DANCE CONCERT COMMISSIONED POEM 2022

BY TRINITY ESTELLE

It’s so tempting to turn away from things that don’t come easily. 

Especially

in this fast-paced, digital age

of instant gratification, false admiration, internet sensations, and blatant fabrications. 

I choose to take my time with my creations,

with eyes set on elevation. 

Understanding that anything worthwhile takes patience. 

Wisdom comes through random revelations. 

Working, then waiting, and waiting, 

and waiting…

Creating and cultivating a legacy indifferent to debating. 

It is imperative that I 

take 

my

time. 

​

So much pressure to be self-made, but this ain’t no DIY. 

I walk with the will of my ancestors by my side. 

Depleting the presence of my pride. 

And working until I get it right. 

So every time I think I got it good, 

I do it better.

I do whatever it takes to make the most of this life.

Not always perfect, polished, and precise. 

But I am one of a kind. 

I am taking my time. 

So it is just fine

if I have to do some things

twice.

TEDXYOUTH AND BING DAVIS GALLERY OPENING POEM 2018

The caged bird sings and the revolutionary inquires

By the words of both Paul Laurence Dunbar and Dr. Martin Luther King jr 

I am inspired

To be a revolutionary,

A writer. 

​

The power of words is too often underrated--

the liberation of our people often hated. 

​

Dr. King stated,

​

“It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today.”

​

We overcame and became

revolutionaries, writers. 

​

This shared dream of freedom is a desire passed down like words of wisdom.

We have persevered against the system in every way from direct action to symbolism.

Always left with the question of,

​

"What more can we do?"

​

Too many have worn the mask and I’ll be damned if I have to.

Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote of a man with a dream

that would later shape the narrative of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Yes, the caged bird sings

​

songs of dedication to liberation,

Melodies of frustration and patience.

We are tired of waiting,

contemplating

over what is so wrong with liberty. 

All the school system teaches

is that Dr. King had a dream that has yet to be reached.

May he rest in peace.

Let us never forget that he was equally as Revolutionary

As an Angela Davis or Ralph Abernathy.

Most likely inspired by poetic writings,

"a pain still throbs in the old, old scars   

And they pulse again with a keener sting— 

I know why he beats his wing!” 

Paul Laurence Dunbar writes of the unseen.

​

His words act as gasoline, sparking a fire that could never die out.

We march,

but we also write down.

We protest

and we vow

to stay inspired

by the legacies

Of two men

with two dreams

wanting the same thing.

​

“A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in,

A minute to smile and an hour to weep in,

A pint of joy to a peck of trouble,

And never a laugh but the moans come double;

And that is life!”

​

But it shouldn’t be.