(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
Powerful and touching poem by Alvaader Frazier. Thanks for posting. For those who don’t know the context, the “sister” is Dr. Lenora Fulani, the “brother” is Jessie Jackson. The year is 1988.
LikeLiked by 1 person