RISE UP

They kneel in protest
as a show of unity and strength
against injustice

Yet they do not realize
that dropping to their knees
is a sign of capitulation

A manifestation of weakness
and surrender to a
higher power

Humankind’s momentous achievements,
justice and freedom,
prosperity and health

occurred only when we rose to our feet,
stood erect, back as straight as a giant oak,
head held high, eyes focused skyward

Then and only then did we defeat disease,
ease hunger pains,
build the towers of concrete and steel

that point to the stars,
monuments to courage and vision,
our gaze locked on the future

Drop to your knees
and you become a symbol
of sacrifice and suffering

But when we stand tall,
defiant and unwavering,
we become like mythical gods

FOR LILLIAN AND CAMILLE

They smile down at me
     from their framed pictures on the wall

Two beautiful fawns
     of elegant innocence, their hair

the color of fresh honey in the sunlight
     their eyes as effervescent
 as the sky after a spring downpour

SIPPING ALONE

Peculiar
          How the setting sun
          bisects the tabletop
          at the outdoor café
                         Part sun
                         Part shade
          coffee in my hefty cup
          rippling like low tide
          in the wake of passing pedestrians
         
          No one stopping to share a cup
          No one stopping to hear my stories

          So it is just me and the Jamaican blend,
          roasted to enrich its flavor

          And as the afternoon grows bored
          with my companionship,
          the shadow rolls across the table
          like death’s profile
                         while the Jamaican dawdles and cools
                         at the bottom of my cup,
                         as empty tables gather around me
                         like bewildered disciples

          Yet I stubbornly remain,
           waiting for my cup to be refilled,
           and the chair across from me to be occupied

FOR CAMILLE GRACE

With the practiced grace of a water ballet
she floated into our world

Rising to the surface like a miniature mermaid,
her roseate skin reflecting our joy.

She squalled upon her arrival, the water
rippling with delight as she navigated her way into our hearts

FOR  ELIAN

At precisely 4:30 am
on a thick Miami morning
all masks, rifles and jagged bravado
they kicked in the door without warning

The family scattered like frightened birds
they could not believe what they saw
as they were thrown to the ground and kicked
all in the name of the law

Elian hiding in the closet
wrapped in his saviour’s arms
Poor Elian, terror in his eyes
just wants to be safe from harm

Reno’s rangers snatched the boy
in an act of retribution
because a terrorist named Castro wanted him back
to hell with the Constitution

DON’T ASK

She glides up behind me
on feet as soundless as spring’s last frost

Her arms insinuate themselves around my neck
with the warmth of cashmere

And I dare not ask how I found her
or how I may lose her

THE ARRIVAL OF LILLIAN EVE

She emerged like
taffy
a sweet swirling
confection
with a complexion of butterscotch,
her lungs bellowing
the triumphant arrival of a
fresh life wet with promise,
the dew of birth reflecting
the sheen of humanity’s
effervescent smile