Today, I am posting one of the most powerful poems about racism that I have ever. It hits me in the gut every time I read it.
THE INCIDENT
by Countee Cullen
Once riding in old Baltimore,
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.
Now I was eight and very small,
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."
I saw the whole of Baltimore
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.
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Jama Rattigan has the Poetry Friday Roundup today.
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10 comments:
Thanks for sharing Cullen's poem. I am depressed too, Elaine. It's like there's a wail of sorrow beyond sorrow, anger, shock, and frustration welling inside and I don't know where to put it. I'm so thankful for the kidlit community.
Jama,
I am thankful for the kidlit community too--especially for individuals like you. This is the first time I have ever cried on the night of a presidential election. I fear for our country. I am worried about my granddaughters' future.
I remember this poem from school, how it was immediately seared into instant memorization.
It still make me weep.
Tanita,
I fear we are going back to those days again. You are right. That poem DOES sear itself into one's memory almost instantly.
Heartbreaking. Watching this all from Canada, frightened and heartsick, but also inspired and determined to do whatever I can to spread love and empathy.
Jane,
It is indeed frightening. I--and others like me--are heartsick. Three days after the election I still find it hard to believe that a man like Trump will be our president. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. Our electoral college has got to go!
I know this poem, and it is terrible, Elaine. I used it with my middle schoolers to show how powerful only a few words can be. It has been a hard, hard week. I am thankful for my friends who are posting supportive ideas, and for those like you who show me I am not alone. Hugs to you and thanks for this poem, one everyone needs to know.
Linda,
Thanks. I am especially thankful that I have my granddaughters so close. They have helped to bring joy into my life this week. The kidlit community has been a good place to share our feelings these days.
I am thankful for the Poetry Friday roundup this week. I feel buoyed by poetry, and called to positive actions.
Mary Lee,
I am thankful too. Poetry is a wonderful place to go when times get you down.
My husband and I had a great time babysitting for our "grandgirls" last night. Julia slept over...and we just had breakfast together. That brightened the beginning of this Sunday.
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