Angela represents democracy
of the streets more now than at twenty-eight
when imprisoned by US bureaucracy.
And that revolutionary spirit—
Her story’s testimony of NO’s weight—
provides hope again. It’s never too late,
we’re
never too old to re-educate.
Her Mom
named her “a messenger of God”
as if she knew her girl would grow Holy
Diverse Equality—much more broad
than a Church's decree—obtain mics solely
to pierce darkness with truth’s Light—not slowly—
but swift as fire, urgent as justice,
real as experience and close as a kiss.
Posted for Fireblossom Friday: Rhyme Royal & W.T. Benda at Imaginary Garden with Real Toads. The pictures are from Greg Archer's "Angela Davis: 'I Don't See Myself As An Icon'" in today's Huffington Post.
For more information on Angela Davis, you might start with Wikipedia's article, the documentary Free Angela and All Political Prisoners (2012), and videos from both the 1960s and today at YouTube. Wikipedia tells us "As of February 2007, Davis was teaching in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz." I do not know if this is still true.
Copyright © 2014 S.L.Chast
Way to go, Susan! You manage to tell a near journalistic tale within the poetic form. Not easy to do!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! she is seventy. How did this HAPPEN????? I love her hair, top photo - wonder what my kids would do if I sported a do like that. I really do like it. Loved your poem too.
ReplyDeleteThe normal way, Sherry!
DeleteI don't know anything about her except as a name I heard on the news during childhood. I shall have to follow your links. Anyway, thanks for being part of my challenge today, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThat spirit shines so well in your lines Susan....It's enriching to know about such a soul..
ReplyDeleteThis is all new (news) to me. I too will follow your links to find out more about the woman who inspired these commanding pieces of poetry.
ReplyDeletebrilliant ~
ReplyDeleteI just read a bit about her on wikipedia and your words give justice to her role as a political activist. I really liked the second stanza... which provides a vibrant image of her personality. Well-penned. The rhymes have coalesced well with the subject matter.
ReplyDelete-HA
I have been an admirer of Ms. Davis' social change platform since the 60s/70s ... great write, Susan!
ReplyDeletethat revolutionary spirit - she is some woman ~ I admire her very much ~
ReplyDeletei need to check her out... not familiar with what she is doing exactly but dang... 70...she looks good and even cooler that she grew stronger with the challenges she faced along the way
ReplyDeleteReally well done, Susan. The closing lines are outstanding!
ReplyDeleteYou did good, Susan ~~ I barely remember her but am sure she was on my LIST way back then. I will read up on Wiki. Thank you,
ReplyDelete..