A couple of week’s back, a fellow writer and deep thinker referred to me as a “word archeologist” and…I’ve been sitting in this naming…
I am a student of every word I have ever read, every story, and history I have ever been told, of every secret I have been asked to hold, of every prayer I have spoken and been spoken within.
Words, writing, and doing language are how I am kept and held together in this world. This world that is, and has been on fire, this world that is coming together, and falling a part right before our eyes.
Words, and journey-story, are how I see what is often beyond my line of sight, but still within my sight line.
The Collection Plate is a recently added section of Words, As Fruit.
It’s the place where I can share some of the words, works and wisdom that are feeding me, holding me, challenging me, moving me; reminding me of not just where, who, and why I am but where, who, and why WE ARE.
This is number 018 of The Collection. In the coming weeks I will be adding to the archives Collection Plates 002. - 017. I won’t be sending out an email from each one instead, I’ll leave it to you to, if you care to, to come back, peek in, and see what words have been left for you here.
Learning, and knowing, is a choice we choose.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Last weekend I asked one of my Aunties if she could tell me the Yoruba word for sacred, or precious. She said she couldn’t think of a word that translates exactly, but what she thought of was “Enyoju”, meaning eyes.
I found this telling.
Back in November I revisited the 1971 recorded conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovani. At one point during their discussion, there’s a palpable moment where Baldwin says,
“I’m not trying to defend it, I’m trying to make you SEE IT.”
And this is where I am. I am just trying to see it. Trying my best see the truth, amongst the lies, trying my best to see what is real amongst what is fabricated, propagandized and sanitized. Trying my best to connect the dots, comprehend history, and use the collected knowledge to guide my steps.
I’m trying to see others in myself, and myself in others.
I’m trying to see my position, path, place and way of being. And through all of this, I am also trying my best to see, reach, take hold of, and keep LOVE. The Love that Báyó Akómoláfé describes (video below).
The Book of Night Women epigraph “Sugon kini a le fi be eni ti ikooko pa iya re je?” (Yoruba) Translation:
“But what can we do if someone kills his mother?”
Báyó Akómoláfé, Othering and Belonging Conference ‘23, Berli
LINK to full video HERE
Thank you for your eyes, and time.
— ei.
Your appreciation, examination and love for words has led me to examine my relationship with them.
One of my reflections:
"Words are like found puzzle pieces. I play with them out of love and exploration, eager to see what kinds of pictures they might hold."
Beautiful piece and I love this for you - word archaeologist.
You are a divine being. I love reading your words and letting it marinate in my soul.