(Yesterday I went to see the documentary film by Raoul Peck
which shares the last penned notes by James Baldwin,
"I Am Not Your Negro."
I sat through it twice and look forward to seeing it again.
I could have bottled the film up and brought it home with me.
James Baldwin has been my writer hero since I discovered him
at the age of 18.
I wrote about his impact on me in my memoir, "Ruth."
A few years ago I wrote the poem which follows.
It is included in the memoir and in my collection of poetry,
"Sunlight on the River."
I am sharing it on my blog at the urging of my dear sister-friend, Genera.
I sent the poem to her in an email last night. She shares my love
for Jimmie and once gave me the wonderful biography on Jimmie
written by David Leeming, as a birthday gift. It is a treasure.
The film does great honor to him and I am very proud to know
and love my dear precious brother man, Mr. James Arthur Baldwin.
James Baldwin
preacher teacher
born in - Another Country
where the ghetto weeps.
James
Baldwin
fighter writer
who - Knows Your Name in the
Street?
Sweet lover Jimmy B.
who dared to enter – Giovanni’s
pain,
and learn the lessons of
loneliness and fame.
James Baldwin
Mr. Spokesman
thank you so much for speaking
for having been here
on this – Mountain
among the forerunners who
taught us to
“sing of the agony of life”
and to rid oneself of hate and
strife.
James
Baldwin son of the sun
who shined his light on this
tree.
My hero in – The Amen Corner,
prophet of – The Fire Next
Time,
witness to the truth with the
mission won
to pass on the wisdom – Notes
of a Native Son.
James Baldwin
my love
that never dies.
And my love you are.
Though you have gone on -
To Meet The “Master” Man,
you have left a great legacy
bed
that I keep – Just Above My
Head.
And so I celebrate you
Mister James Baldwin.
Thank you
for teaching me to see to speak
to listen to love
to hear to know
that the pen is mightier than
the sword,
that passion and pain
can bring about change
no matter – How Long the
Train’s Been Gone.
You will always be remembered by me,
My sweet James Baldwin
Jimmy B.
(“Art hurts, Art urges voyages –
and it is easier to stay at home.”
Gwendolyn Brooks)
