Quvenzhané Wallis

*hover over her name the first time it appears to read an interview with Fearless actress, youngest ever nominated for an Oscar

Quvenzhané Wallis is fearless
"even more fearless than Hush Puppy"
she says, little girl locked in film

and those who are lazy or racist 
or sexist or all of the above 
refuse to say her name:
Quvenzhané Wallis

but she is fierce enough
at nine-years-old to demand
they get it right
"say my name"
as she repeats... slowly
so you get it right
the second time
and "no, you
can't call me
"Annie" because
I am not the character"
nor orphaned of who
I am; I have a name
Quvenzhané Wallis

say my name
strong/click the Q
just so, feel the
power in the third
syllable and finish
your pronunciation
with flair... think
catfish/fries
and hush puppies
on New Orleans
Catholic Friday nights
think double-dutch and lollipops
and puppy dog hand bags
think sassy grin and "proper
English" and home training
think Quvenzhané Wallis
("Qui-ven-ZHEN-ay"): Learn it
repeat it in your dreams
wake up saying it, include
it as a mantra in your prayers
don't hold back, say it with power
expect her to appear
every time its uttered
shout until the mountains
ring back: Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, womanish
Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, strong
Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, brave
Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, wise
Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, fearless
Quvenzhané Wallis
We call you forward, "even MORE fearless"
LEAD
Quvenzhané Wallis
LEAD
Quvenzhané Wallis
WE SAY YOUR NAME: PROUD

© Valerie Bridgeman

February 26, 2013