Special Lit Shadows by Ebony Isis Booth
the predicament of predictability
is the necessity of change
in all of the ways a day is
constantly becoming its next self
always new
in all of the ways a day remains the same
there is a far off familiar look in their eyes
always knew
the white folks
sometimes of fancy
others a glimmer of contempt
perhaps indifference this time
observing and assessing us
invisible and unimportant
paralyzed shadows preserved
in the wake of a beacon
shadows who do not disappear under
the white gaze
shock of unruly untamed locks
flagrant blackness turned in on itself
wound tight and in unison
strands on one accord confront clouds
and dare them break apart to weep
disrupting the protest
sopping the revolution
it is difficult sometimes
to be a special shadow
it is difficult to watch the light
touch secrets in the eyes of strangers
somewhat invasive to see and feel it
pretend not to spread yourself over chasms
of the great human divide
stay close to the ground to keep
your dark and special figure from blocking the sun
careful not to show yourself exhausted by the routine
black magic woman
ignore the fear which is filed and felt in response to their marvel at your splendor the audacity of your unfettered breath is also a potential threat turn yourself into nighttime dare your moon to take its turn lighting the sky defy everything refuse to disappear
*Publishers Note: Featured image/Art by artist Kara Walker. All Rights Reserved.
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New Jersey born Ebony “Isis Speaks” Booth is a living work of art and specializes in spoken-word poetry, singing, and creative writing. She uses various mediums for entertainment to unleash the potency in her performances, yet the over arching purpose in Isis’s art is her speaking. As a professional poet and performance artist Isis provides a dual function as educator and student in the area of empowerment.
Called upon as a featured guest facilitator for Denver Public Schools, she writes and teaches education curriculum to challenge traditional ideas and themes in society. A “jade of all trades,” if you will, the poet used her transformation as a multi-faceted artist to spread a message of self-awareness and healing. “Isis Speaks,” was born out of the beauty and scars she says developed her into an ever evolving womanhood. Find about more about Ms. Booth here.
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I say, the night has been long,
