“We Can, We Will, We Must”For Annamie Paul, Leader of Canada’s Green Party hers is a voiceepicbraided with mother grandmotherlegacy – learned & lived advocacyrallying determination with thepassionate grace of a phoenix in flight she’s thundering author of the book of radical daring changeshe’s pounding rhythm of We can! We will!We must!the mouthpiece majesty of… Continue reading Poem 54 – We Can, We Will, We Must
Poem 53 – An Act
An Act “Spontaneous creativity is a supreme act of trust.” pg. 175-76, One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant trust the lifting of your mouth the pressure on your cheeks the squeezing of light from your eyes the spontaneous creativity of smilingis a kind shout from your face in service to the world… Continue reading Poem 53 – An Act
Poem 52 – Headstones on the Potomac Shore
Headstones on the Potomac Shore The Potomac coughs up headstonesfrom the Columbian Harmony Cemetery. Heavy slabs of memories choke on a storythat won’t stop repeating its violent conflicts. The bodies of 37,000 black residents uprootedreburied – names replaced with the silence of sold markers. For 60 years Keckley, Fleetwood, Shadd and moresix feet under footsteps… Continue reading Poem 52 – Headstones on the Potomac Shore
VANESSA SHIELDS 