A GATHERING OF OLD MEN

cultural blackness....

I emerged from my cocoon Running from the summers sun And Sitting outside on my steps I became part of one of the most wonderful Arts that our people have The sittin and talkin Telling stories and laughing The inner circle leader Is  Smoking a left handed blunt..A little one small like a MORE cigarette  He  On his afternoon high Recants stories of youth being whipped with anything that his mother Had………laughter comes from his Hidden out of my sight companion Then He himself chimes in….A rubber hose …laughing (me) being  Taken to him because he told his mother that He Was not going to the store for her anymore….more laughter.. In comes homie number three on his electric wheelchair Grinning because they unlike all the others around Them buzzing- They are OF the Same SORT I am listening And smelling the aroma from  The Ring leader’s cigarillo blunt He announces that he is free after 17 years(from his lover...I laugh) And That he is in the mood for open thinking And as long as the air is free and move he shall think I am smiling He begins to speak about the young and Tell the tale of how they should be disciplined  Because dem White Folks sho  Would be da one ta put dat der thang on dem A flip of the script and women come into play He said he had to let old gurl go cuz The ones she told him not to be with…. Was the ones she was cutting… The homie in the wheelchair Says Whatttt u say..mmm hmm A lotta stuff comes out when you shoot the shyte A few groans due to age and stiffness  As the gathered gets up One to put some 70’s soul on the radio To go with the sun the smoke and the Day The other Checkin his food for Sunday I am filled Filled with an awe that only comes from respect They although High have not began To behave in ignorance The just have gathered to  Talk  Theorize Remember To be entertained as OLD MEN…. Looking at the very young LOOKING at the Women..mmm hmm Smiling…Speaking with confidence and surety  Enjoying the day and giving me Words to put to this memory   BABy©2010

Reviews

[Rikkevi Rue]

just a feel that one would never really have if'n they hadnt had cause to sit a spell and chat with that generation, from another place and time and with an entirely unique perspective, so much more wordly. well i can say i been there and so this is like the song of my youth playin back to me and conjuring up a fascinating array of mental images and recollections. really quality writing inspires the reader to contribute to the motion so to speak and to bring his own memories to the party. This ink moves me and tastes to my mind like warm taffy would taste to my mouth, rich and nostalgic. more like a journey into the past than a poem...

mmmHmm!

[Thea]

Great poem...You really gave a lot of effort writing this...From the beginning up to the end, it is well written! :D

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for the wonderful poem. I like old people. Their way of looking at life and their eyes of experience. I like how you told this tale.
"He begins to speak about the young and
Tell the tale of how they should be disciplined
Because dem White Folks sho
Would be da one ta put dat der thang on dem"
We need to listen to our elders. We can learn about life and what is the good road to be upon. I like the photo. Thank you for the outstanding poem.
Coyote

[MS. BABy]

This piece was featured in an online magazine produced in Atlanta by Ms.Donna Robinson