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
Tag: Black History Month
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
Poem 32 – Ode to George Elliott Clarke’s Mouth
Ode to George Elliott Clarke’s Mouth When he took the stage in the atelierit was an assaultthe air heaved toward himrendering me breathlessmy spin reconfigured in attention a vertebrae salutethe space became a sanctuarya long mantis finger pushed up his glassesand.then.he.quaked Head leaned backforehead glistening with sweatcheeks puffed proud like mountainslips, oh lips! peeling back in revelationspit,… Continue reading Poem 32 – Ode to George Elliott Clarke’s Mouth
VANESSA SHIELDS 