(l-r) Fantasia Barrino’s mother, Fantasia’s daughter, Krishauna
I am the doormat
Although I’ve welcomed you into my home
I, in return, am only good enough to remain outside
When life rejects you
I continue to say, “Welcome”
When storms are raging and your path is flooded
I am the one who keeps you safe
When I saw you about to fall
I caught you
Although I welcome you
In return, you step on me
I am the doormat
After being stepped on and rained upon
I am not fit to be seen
You pick me up
Shake me off
And throw me down again
Why won’t you welcome me, as I have welcomed you?
Did you not realize that when you shook the dust off of me,
the dust landed on fertile ground?
Did you not realize that nature’s wonders come from the dust of the earth?
Did you ever dream that those specks of dust would turn into…
Flowers
Green pastures
Man, Woman, and Humankind
If you had not stepped on me, rejected me, thrown me out…
Maybe we could have made it together
Now it’s too late dear
The dirt that was not good enough for you,
Has landed on fertile ground
I am no longer your doormat
Sip on This: Why Fantasia?: Living in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina, just 20 minutes from Fantasia’s hometown of High Point, I felt very connected and proud of her American Idle win. While I was cheering, I watched so many people tearing her down regarding her class status, her teen pregnancy, education and more. Out of these contradictions, this poem was born. Have you had people in your circle who have tried to bring you down when you are trying to soar? How did you use that dirty experience as compost for your garden?
Krishauna Hines-Gaither, Ph.D.
Recorded Workshop: Black Women’s Strategic Voice
This workshop examines workplace structures in terms of power dynamics. Black women are often silenced and made to feel invisible. Black women will gain tangible tools and strategies that guarantee results across institutions.
$75.00
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