Panafrikan dances when and where they please.
Harlem-shakes in the courtyards of Harare
Isicathulo deep in the metro stations of Montreal.
Capoiera on rooftops in Grenada
Slow whine in front of cracked mirrors of high-school washrooms in Belize
Panafrikan can sway, lunge, lift, slide, whine-up, twerk, twist and shout across borders, checkpoints and coat check lines. Nuh mind dem.
Panafrikan rubs shea butter on their hard thighs.
Cassamance mango juice lick dry forearms as fruit flesh and skin fuse in the clenched black palms of dancer.
Sovereign and untaxed.
Panafrikan is not exotic. Not an anomaly to be praised, or shunned, or studied.
They are not the exception
Dancing since a time before their watches and their watches
Chuh.
Panafrikan, like Panafrikan, sings in sun and sense
Improvises on patterns of leaves and stories
Strikes decisive chords of Discipline Sharp
And chops a clean development
How yuh mean? Our Panafrikan!
Watch ah dance so sweet!
They must get it from they gran-gran so.
Feel ah whine so sure
they must get it for they gran-chile so.
How yuh mean? We Panafrikan!
Briefcase hail mop and
Rake teach diploma.
Panafrikan dances where and when they please.
If you please. Panafrikan.