All I Have

This was one of twelve books that was inspired by African textiles I received from the National Museum of African Art Library in Washington, DC.

All I Have
My seventh son is all I have.
We must go to land that doesn't
birth grenades. What good is fertile
soil when Earth knows only graves.

Blessed is the garden of Eden
Our Eves are kidnapped
before they know apples.

My seventh son is all I have.
We must go to land that is dry and calm.
They burn our breath as we pray.

Gorillas teach apples the secrets of war.

We heard the crash, then the waves.
Please blow air into his lungs,
my seventh son is all I have.
- Suzanne Coley