I cry in Yoruba, the language of my ancestors, the language that carries the weight of my history and the stories of my people. I cry for the struggles and the pain that we have endured, for the injustices and the hardships that have been inflicted upon us. I cry for the loss and the longing, for the dreams that have been shattered and the hopes that have been dashed.

But when I pray, I do so in the name of the Universe. I call upon the energy and the power that flows through all living things, the force that connects us all and binds us together. I pray for healing and for strength, for guidance and for wisdom. I pray for the courage to continue fighting for justice and equality, for the resilience to overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.

In my prayers, I seek to transcend the boundaries of language and culture, to connect with something greater than myself. I seek to draw upon the universal forces of love and compassion, to tap into the collective energy of all those who have come before me and all those who will come after me. I pray for unity and for peace, for understanding and for acceptance.

So, I cry in Yoruba, but I pray in the name of the Universe. I honor my heritage and my roots, while also reaching out to the infinite and the eternal. In this way, I find solace and hope, and I am reminded that I am never truly alone.

Copyright © Beatriz Esmer