In celebration of National Poetry Month, Bent Alaska presents “Stepping Out”, a poem by Shelby “Mahogany” Wilson.

Stepping Out

by Shelby “Mahogany” Wilson

I will not be defined by my sexuality
because fierce doesn’t come in a bottle with a label
It’s in the power of my walk and confidence in my words
I’m stepping up and stepping out on the stage making my presence be known
You can’t hold this in one category or tame this with a whip
There are too many degrees of me; feisty, fierce, and fabulous
And if you get too close you might see the shy and passionate me
But if you want my very best, it must be finessed and caressed
To many times I’m judge before I speak
Unsure how to approach the beauty you see
Its wasn’t born overnight but cherished and nurtured
I was told I was more than the average
Made to believe in me
It’s that power of light which you have come to see
Definition, labels are boxes to imprison
I want to be FREE
Free of ridicule and discrimination
Standing up and being of proud me
So the next time someone stands against me
I’m making a statement
I’m standing up for me
Bold, daring and full of personality

About the poet

Shelby Wilson has been in Alaska for over 20 years. She is the Vice President of Black Feather POETS, blackfeatherpoets.org. Its an non-profit organization built on bringing cultures together through arts, As a performance poet and writer she has facilitated poetry workshops for YWCA, Hiland Correctional Center and woman empowerment seminars for Black Feather POETS. She presented at Take Back the Night organized by STAR, Standing Together Against Rape and also performed at Celebration of Change. Shelby has self published two books, Broken Wings and Serenity, a chapbook.

Photo credit: “Shelby “Mahogany” Wilson at Celebration of Change 2011, 23 Apr 2011. Photo by Melissa S. Green.