A prodigy with Stars aligned, at three, intent was clear -
her love for the piano, already played by ear.
And this was Nina's Choice, a skill that magnified, impressed,
infusing Church and home, delighting parents she was Blessed.
But racism at twelve years old would fire her up with rage
and at her debut concert she refused to take the stage
until her parents were allowed their rightful place returned,
no longer stood in Solitude but in a seat they earned.
In poverty and humble roots, her path ahead was sheer,
but charity and faith would lift and beckon her to steer
ambition to fulfil her dreams, resisting holding back,
to celebrate her artistry, so Gifted, Young and Black.
Aspiring to prestigious heights, her quest would sadly teach
that this Forbidden Fruit hung high and far too out of reach.
For, though her Spell was unsurpassed, she found it Cold Out Here,
identity a barrier, ingrained with hateful smear.
This final blow would mark the end, a time to Turn, Turn, Turn,
immersed in her reality, injustice now would burn
and, thwarted in her vision of a concert pianist,
her Compensation was her voice, a conduit for her fist!
Inspired by Billie Holiday* she spun her special style,
she'd sing in bars enough to earn her study For A While.
And Backlash Blues attracted soon a following anew,
her fragile hurt would resonate: Do What You Gotta Do.
And, as the Sixties bid to all that Ev'rything Must Change,
her call would reinforce King's* plea, belief within our range.
But bitter fruit* incensed her so, her protest soared with might:
in Mississippi Goddam, she armed music in her fight!
Frustrated as an activist when change seemed far away,
yet strengthened by her Cherished faith that hope would not delay,
in raw, emotive words she'd sing in praise to grow and thrive;
her Take Me to the Water voiced her yearning to revive.
As mental illness plagued her soul with instability
she battled on regardless in her rough and stormy sea.
Impassioned on her journey, she exalted Feeling Good
would be the gift of all of us when peace was understood.
Her music crossed all Images, inclusive, undefined,
as too her prized equality, to leave the past behind.
And, fighting her own demons, 'gainst her tantrums and her strife,
she sang that we Aint Got No (thing) without embracing life.
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