A Sankofa Summer

Musings on a summer of return

I spent the entire summer outside of America—returning to the things that I enjoy, the people that I love, and the purpose that so deeply inspires me.

And now, as we head into autumn and the season of harvest, I’m taking a moment to stop and reflect on all I nurtured this summer.

I planted love and enjoyment. 
Lazy mornings and long nights. 
I danced into new days 
with new loves. 

Chased waterfalls and my dreams. 
I breathed deep and walked slow. 

I remembered and relished in all that I am and all that we are.

I dreamed again.

Held hands and skipped again. 
Threw my head back and giggled. 

I held babies and their mamas. 

I let myself be loved again, 
be seen again, 
be 
known 

again. 

I cooked in my grandmother’s kitchen and sat out on my Grandaddy’s porch. 

I smiled, 
realizing every day 
that even in this moment of uncertainty,

 I was living in an answered prayer. 

I gave thanks and left offerings. 

I Remembered. 

I Returned. 

Now I’m ready
as autumn comes 
to release what no longer serves me.
 
Let the burdens and the fear 
fall 
like 
leaves 
as we wait for winter 
and welcome the darkness.

Here with our harvest in this sankofa season, we have all that we need.

---

This summer—the summer I became a Certified Nurse Midwife— fed me. I did not catch a single baby, but I read 13 romance novels. Saw Beyonce in London and spent three and half months with family in Nigeria, and eight spectacular days with REPRA Health in Ghana. I’ve never spent this much time on the African continent, and it was GOOD to me… a summer of enjoyment. What more can a girl ask for? Truly,it feels great to be God’s favorite. With all the highs, there were also some lows, but on the other side I feel so clear about who I am and what I want to do. I had the space to dream and truly tap into what I desire. Shoutout to Mama Audre Lorde and the Uses of the Erotic. I got back to the States last weekend and have big feels and bad jet lag. But such is life…I am excited and hopeful for the first time in a long time. And that feels really good.

I am trying new things with the newsletter now that I’m no longer a student. But as always, this substack is a labor of love and act of liberation. If my words nourish or move you, you can support this work by commenting, sharing the post, subscribing, upgrading to a paid subscription, or passing the virtual collection plate through CashApp/Venmo/Paypal(@Akani1). Every single offering helps me care for myself while I care for others. This work is sacred, and I’m so grateful to be witnessed by folks who believe in the power of community-based care. I hope you’re taking care of yourself as well.

Til Next Time,

Akaninyene