-- from The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Historical note: Emmett Louis Till was a 14 year old African American boy from Chicago who was visiting relatives in Mississippi. He allegedly spoke to a white woman in a general store. For this alleged behavior, he was taken from his bed at night, beaten, shot and dumped in the Tallahatchie River. An all-white jury found the men who did this innocent. His courageous mother publicized the murder, insisting on an open coffin at his funeral so the world could see the horrific brutality he suffered. His murder galvanized the country and gave Americans the courage to march against segregation. Emmett was not forgotten.
Emmett Till
by MacDaddy
Black male, curious youth,
Galvanizer of a movement to reclaim humanity,
Sometimes, when I walk along the banks of the
I can still see your fist push above water, making
Waves still.
Right arm jump at me then
Ease back into the river, become one with the fog, those
Deep-set eyes fixed, that muscled right hand clenched, descending
Beneath the waters, crying
I'll never let you forget
------------------------------------------
by MacDaddy
We are like flowers on the banks of
Always near the crest of outburst, the jutting fire
The smoldering flame
To wither with the frying dead again
And again.
We rise, recollect and return to green next spring
We rise; even bloom here and there
We rise, moist petals with deep roots
We rise. A sun people fresh grown
To breathe clear air. We rise.
10 comments:
We still remember.
Sad, but very beautiful. Let us all continue to feel your poetry.
As always, I am moved by your words, the words of a strong African American man who has influenced this Latina woman in many ways--I learn more about your history, your culture, your reality and I am also able to reflect on my history, my culture, my reality...
Thank you MacDaddy.
McDaddy, I'm glad you're maintaining a Michelle O. watch. I'll put your site on my reader, so I'll be up to date on her!
I also love the Williams sisters, Serena being my favorite. They have done wonders for the WTA!
Hey MacDaddy...
This poetry is ....just righteous....
Keep talking to me Daddy....
{smiles}
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa. By the way, loved the piece on your blog about the agency of the black woman. Thanks for the work you do.
rainywalker- Thanks for the support.
vigilante-I'm going to be blogging about Michell and this silly political season. And, yes, love Serena.
Patt- Your comments is why I take this blog so seriously. I keep telling my friends that this blog is not about me but us, African Americans, us, Americans of all ethnicities. But many of them don't come because it's just going to be about me or another put down of Hillary Clinton. You give me hope. Thanks.
Well done. Well done.
I like your sincere intro of survival almost as much as the poem. It speaks to your integrity and that shines thru in everything you write.
Some realities can only be articulated in POETRY, and you do that so well, MacDaddy....PLEASE keep writing...From the comments your words speak powerfully to many....I wish i could write poetry...My dear friend died yesterday, and only a poet's words to describe this reality....Maybe I'll give it a try....
Mac, I love honest poetry. Thanks.
Honesty and guts makes writing great.
Appropriate that you have James Baldwin leading your post.
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