Friday, November 11, 2016

THE INCIDENT by Countee Cullen.

I am so depressed. You can probably figure out why for yourselves. I have been reading about all the racist incidents that have been happening in this country since Trump got elected--so many of them in schools. My heart bleeds for minority children who may be fearful of going to school now.

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.
***************

Jama Rattigan has the Poetry Friday Roundup today.
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10 comments:

  1. jamaNovember 11, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    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.

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  2. Elaine MagliaroNovember 11, 2016 at 10:17 AM

    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.

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  3. tanita✿davisNovember 11, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    I remember this poem from school, how it was immediately seared into instant memorization.

    It still make me weep.

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  4. Elaine MagliaroNovember 11, 2016 at 11:36 AM

    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.

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  5. Jane @ www.raincitylibrarian.caNovember 11, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    Heartbreaking. Watching this all from Canada, frightened and heartsick, but also inspired and determined to do whatever I can to spread love and empathy.

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  6. Elaine MagliaroNovember 11, 2016 at 3:21 PM

    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!

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  7. Linda BNovember 11, 2016 at 7:19 PM

    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.

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  8. Elaine MagliaroNovember 11, 2016 at 7:44 PM

    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.

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  9. Mary LeeNovember 13, 2016 at 7:56 AM

    I am thankful for the Poetry Friday roundup this week. I feel buoyed by poetry, and called to positive actions.

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  10. Elaine MagliaroNovember 13, 2016 at 8:50 AM

    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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