snakecrossing
Ridgeway Press, Roseville, MI 1990
trinidad, the man
to show you how crossings are
on the island of three hills
a long time ago
they conspired to make a meld of
every hue of skin
known to humankind
in such a way that
the intensity of the sun at noon
knew how to prepare a dazzle of greens and reds
and oranges
in total compliment
now time and place
has this same concept
in one man
with possibility
to cross
all those colors
to show time
that things like that
can be done in another place
Quiet Battles, The Wayne Writers Forum
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 1987
Song for Demecina
Red-lipped Mama
with your braids so high
can you come with me
see hummingbirds fly?
Can you eat some buljol
and cold farine
eat a little zabaca
and dream a little dream?
There are yellow, black
and red for you to meet
all the people of the world
inside your brown feet.
Oh come float on salt
let the sea make you light
wide your eyes to the sun
with only blue in sight.
Muchacha dance awhile
write rhythms in the sand
feel free to move about
stand eye to eye with man.
Talk to the spirits
know the secrets they hold
keep your life in motion
let your story be told.
Work and live with others
you cannot stand alone, but
understand your destiny
grab freedom for your own.
Red-lipped mama
with braids so high
climb upon hummingbird
and fly.