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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