(A wonderful and militant new poem by my friend Alvaader Frazier)

 

We are told young and old

The beautiful Phoenix bird

Rises from the ashes and the ruins…

 

So_again in history and life_

full bloom_she slowly_slowly

began her rise to focus our eyes…

 

legions of ordinary people_

came out marching_walking…

within their ranks of many colors_

 

marginalized_ostracised…

homeless not helpless_

back from Vietnam…

back from Black Power…

back from burn baby burn_

back from university and privilege…

back from “the res” reservation_

ghetto_ el barrio

 

outside the great hall_

chanting_singing in the parking lot…

loud_proud_taking plight and fight_

crying out day and night…

for direction_decision_showdown

 

calling out_two roads_

are better than one…

when the status quo says no

 

will the brother take _

the Independent road..

or will the sister_

keep leading the way…

 

as our saga ends_

our beautiful Phoenix bird_

rises to flight_transforming…

ashes and ruins_ clearing…

 

an independent road for_

the sister leading the way!!!

 

End.

Alvaader Frazier

10/5/18