|
Waiting
for the Great Tragedy
We have wobbled in our spirit
since New Orleans was flooded
Four sweltering September days
of thirst & hunger—our women
our children, the elderly dying in
wheelchairs, drowning in homes
dedicated to wellness. Abandoned
Saved. We’re scattered like
chaff
to the winds. We scream, cry,
plead
Our sadness as heavy &
unmovable
as mountains. But life is much
more
than nightmares & gods
centuries old
scarred coffle-chained dream walks
to the barracoon, sold to
metal-faced
men with great ships, war weapons
& whiskey. Our hearts pulse
beyond
misery to a joy only we can know
when our souls find rest. We have
sacred knees & lips that draw
down
yet the favor of promises
unfulfilled
God’s nipples drip sweet manna
from
heaven. Like others, whatever
drama
may come, we will not get out of
this
life alive in our warm brown skins
So let us live this moment. Let us
make
fools of ourselves, often, drink
our wine
Egyptian brew, pouring on the
floor
remembering. As we slump together
let us dream dreams without shadows |
