Nella Larson Lives“At the time of her death, her work had been forgotten.” pg. 551, The Norton Anthology of American Literature, 1914-1945, Volume D Two novels conceived in the bellyof a biracial beastquicksand unsteady under solesher soul passing back and forthbetween black and white and why What is culture between cultures?Who goes there and what… Continue reading Poem 41 – Nella Larson Lives
Category: On Writing
Poem 40 – Jazz with Zora
Jazz with ZoraFor Zora Neale Hurston Zora takes me to The New World Cabaret in Harlem.We treat it like the meal that it is, murmur excitedlyour plans to gorge ourselves on the orchestra’s specials. We are plunged in the mighty supping of temptoe-tapping & trumpet. It fuses our light togetherin a fury of indulgence. I… Continue reading Poem 40 – Jazz with Zora
Poem 39 – Willow Grove, New Brunswick, 1815
Willow Grove, New Brunswick, 1815For Alexander Diggs Arriving is a physical & mental biting downa swallowing of exhaustionstretched out over time skinbut dignity is leadinga leather strap in thesehands that are crusted with racism hatred slaverygrasped in the victory ofthis coming into home In the river wash these handsbut hold what seeped in wisdom protest songthe right… Continue reading Poem 39 – Willow Grove, New Brunswick, 1815
VANESSA SHIELDS 