Deaf African Woman

I Am the Deaf African woman, and that’s what I’ll be
till the days of my life come to the End.

When I dream – it is with my Hands…
My understanding is with my Eyes…
My thoughts are carried forth by the rhythms in my body…
          If you take time to watch me,
          you’ll know what I say – understand what I mean:
          For I Am the Deaf African Woman!

My Language is a Beautiful visual art…
Different from yours - you can speak, you can hear…
But I Cannot. I am Deaf and Different!
         Different with a Language and Culture
         I call my own and so proud to be Deaf:  
         For I Am the Deaf African Woman!

Africa!
Why do you shun and cast me out into darkness?
Why the curses, scorn, abuse, rejection?
Why keep me closed in fear?
           Why abandon me into the cold wild wind?
           While I long to enter and be a part of you,
           While I yearn for the warmth of your face!
 
I am not Dumb, Daft, Insane or Sick. No, I am Not!
Watch my face, eyes, arms, body…
Watch my Hands – the rhythms of my entire Being!
I express a thirst and hungry need to learn…
A need so deep: To be understood. To be loved by you.
          If you, Mother Africa: my earth, my world…
          If you understand, you’ll know what I mean.
          For I Am the Deaf African Woman!

Africa!
You are my ancestral land - sacred to me.
I belong here with you.
I have a Right to be here…
For I Am the Deaf African Woman!

Stop sucking my Soul dry…
Stop killing my Will to Live…
I want to breathe the freshness of the air you breathe...
Take footsteps on the paths you trail...
Drink from the well of Great African wisdom and loving…
Without shame or fear.
No longer shall I hide beneath myself
crying out my heart in pain. But, I shall
stand with Pride and Strength:
For I Am the Deaf African Woman!

Watch me Sign!
Let My Language Shine!
Let the Beauty of My Language Smile!
Let me open your hearts to my Language:
A Language that understands with the Eyes…
A Language that dreams with the Hands…
            Then, and only then, will you understand that
            I Am the Brave African Woman:
            Forever Proud to Be Deaf!

                                                  - Nassozi B. Kiyaga
                                                    © 1997