Stepping into Womanhood: A Black Woman’s Poetic Journey
by Traci Brooks

Stepping Into Womanhood, by Traci Brooks, is a poetic journey along the path of today’s Afrikan woman. Its prose speaks to the varying realities of her experience. As Afrikan women tread the road to self-awareness and spiritual understanding, Stepping Into Womanhood will serve as yet another reflection of her growth womanhood. Stepping Into Womanhood represents a poetic testament of the steps toward transformation that Afrikan women take while attempting to reach the destination of a self-defined existence.

SPIRITUAL THUNDERSTORM

I desire to flood you
with the splendor of
a spiritual thunderstorm…

…showering you with
   iridescent drops of
   ancient wisdom.

…bathing your spirit
   with the divinity of
   Amen Ra
   and the truth and justice
   of Maat.

…striking your soul
   with the riveting
   rains of righteousness.

…summoning you to
   wade in the waters
   of enlightenment.

   And ultimately…

…welcoming you to
   the customary quiet
   after the storm.

© 1999 Traci Brooks