I STAND ALONE IN THE DARK by Rochelle Robinson

i stand alone in the dark

with deadly silence

we hold each other hostage and know that

nothing in the world is more

expensive than freedom

in chronic misery the quorum has

agreed to the deaths of our people

allowing the terrorism of domesticated

violence and sexual abuse to remain

unchecked and under/cover of deception

pain and suffering piles

like sewage in a drain

it’s seepage rank with despair

flies and vultures gather to feast on

globalized famine

poverty disguised as compassionate conservatism

while money hungry men walk away

from urinals with dirty hands

i try not to taste your words

drink your vocabulary in its

attempt to inebriate my mind

and misappropriate my passion

the breath of your memory

i must not inhale

while my own memory

lies buried like treasure at the bottom

of the sea

some continue their misson

to desecrate and dismiss my humanity,

through images and cinematic dis-prose

who i am is erased and degraded

until i am so invisible that i don’t exist

to others in my tribe

i am long forgotten by the

black men who used to love me

because i can be strong

men want to devour and destroy

my beauty, my power, my intelligence

and leave behind a shell that wanes

empty of my many attributes

til i am ugly, powerless, stupid

vunerable, insecure and depleted

you leave me hollow and empty

unsure of anything that once defined

my lyfe, my dignity swept under your

dirty rug of patriarchy where you do nothing to

protect me…i stand alone in the dark

Rochelle Robinson (aka RoRo) is a writer, activist, and grandmother living in Oakland . She is currently working on her poetry and essays, and in her spare time, takes long walks, and does yoga and meditation.

“I am pursuing a life of the mind and body in a more spiritual way than ever before. I am also closely examining what it is that I want to do with the next 50 years of my life, so I am excited about what’s ahead and actively seeking new adventures! I am learning to embrace silence, get reacquainted with myself, and being comfortable in my own skin.” - Rochelle Robinson 2008

Poetic License

Sometimes the process of telling story warrants a bit of poetic license. The reader decides what each image means to her/him. Below is a poem I wrote after a strong emotion came over me. What thoughts/feelings come up for you?


Edible Flowers for Dessert
Above the frosty sunset
Of contrast
and undertone
Concrete river
20 minutes before
The Bay
Still on the surface
but moving underneath
flowing over earth
pulling sand toward fire

by darice jones 2/20/08
© 2008

Writing Your Own Story

About a year ago I moved into positive light and meditation toward a vision of bringing together collaborators to and build a community based organization to produce, promote and preserve the African Griot storytelling tradition. I wrote down my visions in The Sacred Journey planner and journal -- a wonderful tool that allowed me to stay focused and refective on the large vision. Within that vision I embarked on the process of producing the first story in that effort by making my first film. I did not know the who and I realize now that I did not know much of the how, but I knew that I was in a critical moment to elevating my life and fulfilling my path of sparking and participating in collectivity.

I am amazed every moment at how far and wide this effort has come. I am blown away by the generosity and love just floating out there waiting for willing partners. I am moved by the commitment and strength of the people who have joined with me and who can see the larger vision.

Since the days when I moved past my fear, past my insecurity, past my doubt and unsureness about resources and decided instead to embrace and envision abundance without limits we have successfully created a collaborative that is growing every day. We started a small Black Film Library with free check out for Bay Area residents. We have partnered with several organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally around Black storytelling. We have connected with thousands of people about the making of this first film, and we're due to complete production by May this year. We have successfully promoted the work of other artists and will begin offering no and low cost courses this year. We built a partnership with the City's film office and will begin a Black Family Film Night in July.

I envisioned these things and so many more which I am now sure will become reality. And it is the joining together of people who love our community that makes it so. I continue to write affirmations and goals so that I can see where I am headed while giving thanks for where I am and have been.

In 2007 I wrote my own life story, free from past constraints and beholden only to my imagination. In 2008, I intend to do it again, allowing myself to be even more wild about what is possible. I encourage all my brothers and sisters to do the same. Imagination and daily work toward your vision can only make your life better and more free. And you deserve to be free my loves, we all do!

Much Love,

Your Soul Sista

The Importance Of Story

Every living being has a story, an origin and a journey, something that informs this experience called life. People have a unique need to share our stories, to hear the stories of others, to ask and answer questions about them. This space is created specifically to hold the Soul Stories of sisters and brothers throughout the African diaspora.

Here you will find pieces of my Soul story, and those of folks in the community from which we should take away some new bit of knowledge and new bit of healing.

Take a moment each day for your own story. Find someone who will really listen and find your voice. There is so much good to be found just in the telling.

Much love,

Your Soul Sista