Willow Grove, New Brunswick, 1815
For Alexander Diggs
Arriving is a physical
& mental biting down
a swallowing of exhaustion
stretched out over time skin
but dignity is leading
a leather strap in these
hands that are crusted
with racism hatred slavery
grasped in the victory of
this coming into home
In the river wash these hands
but hold what seeped in
wisdom protest song
the right to exist freely
though what’s right
shifts like quick sand
Here in 1815 the land
is rocky & small filled
with strings attached
to white lies relentless
Here with my family
beyond miracles
on the other side
in the devastating
beginnings of hope-tilled
survival
This body stolen bound dragged
can and does and will endure
this heart plants seeds in tomorrows
so todays can sleep – this heart
flayed is colossal crowned
Weeping souls grow stronger
can’t own can’t fish can’t vote
contractions birth premature
pain & change is a plight
prescribed by prejudice –
stunted growth is still growth
it can and does and will
be delivered these are
immaculate conceptions
Determination honour legacy
on scarred backs whipped
on broken necks strangled
yet this voice lifts
resettles for eternities
anger cascades into joy
simple possible calm
Like the first seedling emerged
thrusting for light like dusty
laughter on dawn’s rose cheek
These eyes containers of
discovery to be discovered
teachers from the past
permanent stamps inking
black paths into nows
These feet standing
bearing down into an
earth that understands
destruction & destiny
This mouth opens
exclaiming truth
in the lines on this face
freedom exhales
again & again
For the past thirteen years, to educate and bring awareness to black Canadians during Black History Month, Canada Post has created stamps that depict black Canadians’ stories and lives. This year’s stamps include images from Amber Valley, Alberta and Willow Grove, New Brunswick, two black settlements. The stamps are designed by Lara Minja of Lime Design Inc.. The artist is Rick Jacobson.
Research: www.google.com/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/7586928/canada-post-stamp-willow-grove-settlers/amp/
www.bittergrounds.com/black-history-month-2021-grow-nb-stamp/
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 
Vanessa,
This poem is so “alive”. Congrats!
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