WATERMELON DAY (Poem)

Written By Farah Lawal Harris

WATERMELON DAY

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2025

Mother Earth’s precious sugar water daughter is the celebrant of today’s soirée.

Melanated beings of all ages gather outside of Sankofa bookstore on Georgia Avenue devoid of shame. “Go back and get it!” we proclaim.

We pass a splash of defiance around like communion—this is our body, which was planted, harvested, and broken for us to taste.

We sway to reggae sounds in the red August heat, conjuring up memories of annual festivals cancelled due to noise complaints.

The textured, soft blood-colored juice is a reprieve from the mocking we’ve received. We throw away stereotypes like rinds. Leave that mess for the flies. “It don’t make me no never mind.”

Today, we are free. Today, we are community dripping with beauty. Today and always, we are DC.

—

Written for Day 6 of National Poetry Writing Month

Farah Lawal Harris

Farah Lawal Harris is an artist and breast cancer survivor who inspires people to overcome obstacles and be well. Through vulnerable storytelling, writing, and theatre, Farah makes people feel less alone and more able to tap into their personal power to be their best, creative selves.

https://www.farahlawalharris.com
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