I have been immersed in research related to massive resistance in Virginia. In looking over old photos recently I was amazed by the sheer number and variety of segregation signs. This poem is the result of thinking a good deal about separate but equal and Jim Crow.
I've never written a poem in two voices before, but was inspired by Laura Purdie Salas' Peace Project poem.**Photo Reference**
Halifax, North Carolina. April 1938. John Vachon, photographer. A drinking fountain on the county courthouse lawn. (Sign: "Colored")
Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division. LC-USZ62-100414
Oh, Tricia! Wow.
ReplyDeleteI'm still struggling with what kind of poem to write for this project -- as the time ticks! -- and Laura's inspired me, too. And so does this one! Wow!
(Save this one for your children's poetry book collection.)
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating..
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing!!
Tricia, this is beautiful and powerful. I think ALL writers have the right (and perhaps responsibility?) to address injustice in our world. Thank you for sharing this...I love it.
ReplyDeleteI love reading this aloud -- just read it with my girls. It is so accessible and has a sort of marching in the streets rhythm. Thank you...
ReplyDeletePowerful. I'd love to hear this read aloud with a chorus and alternating voices.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem to perform. As a South African, all too familiar. Though in South Africa the 'White's Only Bench' stuff, extended to death in detention and other such brutality.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have my class learn this...ok?
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