In Saxapahaw before the war Boys and girls were locked in remote cabins for weeks And given only toxic plants and rancid meat to eat A surefire way to identify the weak Those who crawled out – if half-crazed, still… Read More ›
The Real World
L’amour intercontinental, universel
for Tory and A.S. Essential it was that she was a foreigner – Misreading, mistaken and thus so much warmer. And as I from her her was equally estranged – Oh we passed such pleasant, such comfortable days! Younger, she… Read More ›
Murder, children and other crimes
The reason that it is important—of the utmost importance—for white people, here, to see the Negroes as people like themselves is that white people will not, otherwise, be able to see themselves as they are. — James Baldwin, “East River,… Read More ›
March Madness is as Good a Name as Any
An ungainly giant basketballer To score must best a man yet taller. In such a crisis could he feel – like the More upward-looking and oft-blocked we, Of dunking celebrity long relieved – A scruffy bush ’neath pointy trees? … Read More ›
Sombreros Vaqueros, Torn Jeans, Museums, Blowfish (Short Poems)
Sombreros Vaqueros I would not say to any of the men in the YMCA locker-room Who in the afternoon sit on stools or in old armchairs, watching TV: “You know you could be reading a book.” I think of… Read More ›
Just like that
Just like that The holidays were over, tourists gone And the café’s lone writer Who had been taking up valuable space Was again an old friend And for his generous tips insufficient Was now warmly thanked, Even blessed. 2… Read More ›
The Love Song of an American President
We begin somewhat gently, as many courtships begin. Dressed with more class, she wanted him, while naturally he Felt the clothes on his back—this was for him to decide. Not, said the young lady, if you want me for your… Read More ›
