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
Poem 38 – Bowl
Bowl Did you knowa bowl hasa body hasa waist afoot and arim? Also abottom, of course. Have you everbeen bowled over?Bowling? Have you ever been bowledover whilst bowling? The act of rolling is to bowl. A bowl is a basin a holder a shape with an open top a large structure for sport or entertainment or both – something super. Did you know the contentsof a… Continue reading Poem 38 – Bowl
Poem 37 – I Dare You
I Dare You Dizzybusy bebop makerproud prankstermystic mentorkind kidnapper ofPhil Woods (1956) Dizzyhis cheeks proclamationsto the power of breathbursting barrierson the trumpet’s slippery soul Dizzyhis fingers testamentsto the deliverance ofdivine demonstrations of complex syncopationtrigger happyvalve vivaciousharmonious chopsthat lick embersinto fast jiving flames Dizzyjust listen: Salt peanutsCubana Be-Cubana BopManteca Listen hard &try not to moveI dare you be moved… Continue reading Poem 37 – I Dare You
VANESSA SHIELDS 