"Hold this Thought" this morning, very appropriately, featured "I, too, sing America" by Langston Hughes. You can hear Vivian Melde read this poem at the "Hold this Thought" link. Thanks, Barbara for this and all the other excerpts you've been giving us to think about everyday.
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
'Eat in the kitchen,' Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
Steve and fellow readers
ReplyDeleteIt's odd. In London, I've seen the elation with Africans now residents, who like me, are so happy. So happy about this American election breaking with its past.
But then I read of the civil rights loses that very same day in three states in that country: Arizona, Florida and California. Results that many can pass over as so much minor news on a big news day.
It was the day that Americans voted to bar gay and lesbian couples equal treatment in the law in their constitutions, no less. And as the American constitution used to set up a color bar, 30 American states, including Alaska, now have set up a gay bar. You see, these are 30 American, Obama as president states that believe my relationship cannot be equal to heterosexual marriage.
It is a bittersweet day for me, for my partner of 30 years. It is a tragic day for black, latino, native american, asian gay and lesbian couples denied yet another home for their families. You may not feel the sting, the irony, the pure sorrow we all feel at this simultaneous joy and loss. You may not know how we can be proud and hurt once more.
As Americans sat down at the table with its black son, it told its lesbian daughter to stay outside its home.
The joy is great for us. We are not at the table.
Steve
ReplyDeleteI just realized why I love your blog so much. You totally remind me of "Chris" the cerebral DJ of Northern Exposures! You make me want to move to Alaska (I got as far as Seattle last time I felt this way). Though I admit Palin gives me pause.
Thank you for printing this wonderful poem. And thanks for all your beautiful photos as well.
To the poster above...have faith, the gay quest for equal rights will eventually prevail.
Jay, as we move backward, we also move forward. As a country, we are further along than we were 50 years ago. 50 years from now, hopefully we will say the same thing!
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