I am an example of resistance
I hang from manufactured rope On the Tree of Life I didn't live a Brothers Grimm fairy tale Conceived into oppression I was wise beyond my years But I've never received a White man's education Only domination I was bought and sold like sheet metal I've been called boy Inferior to my Superior I've been violated and raped No one heard my screams I was tamed like an animal I was a field hand and a house nigger I've picked the fabric that creates My Master's shirt I've wiped his children's noses And prepared his daily meals I've tried to escape to new freedoms Only to be brought back to plantation land My footprints were imprinted in Southern soil I've been beaten without reason My whips never healed I was fed up with His rules I rebelled Now my lifeless body dangles Helplessly Before you from a noose My legs sway to and fro My eyes are blood-shot red I am an example of resistance This is dedicated to my ancestor's who paved the way so that I may live freely today. I was listening to Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" and my mind wandered. I imagined the "strange fruit" telling his life story to the people who watched him die. *A poem from "Just My Thoughts: Mind, Body & Soul", published July 18, 2006.
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Handwritten short review by legendary poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni for "Just My Thoughts: Mind, Body & Soul"
"It's not a #1 record but Just My Thoughts: Mind, Body & Soul catches the times of the heart and minds. Thank you so very much for sharing with me."
Poetically, Nikki Giovanni (excerpt) (side note: It's dated one day after my 22nd birthday! I cried and died when I saw that part!!) #Won'tHeDoIt! Yasss!!! Dear J.D. -
I'm delighted to grant permission. Good luck! Keep on keeping on. Poetically, Nikki Giovanni (her response to allow me to use her review for promotion) (side note: This is dated two days after her 67th birthday!) This is Nikki Giovanni's review for my still unreleased book of poetry, "R.I.S.E."
THIS is why I'm NOT stopping! Celebrated ICON, poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou acknowledged receiving my book with this kind card!
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