I was struggling over what to post today. I didn’t prepare my post ahead of time. I considered bailing out completely. But something was tugging at me.
That tug started with an email from poets.org that sent me into a rabbit hole of Black poets. Reading, clicking, texting, reading…
Then I was discussing my dilemma with my daughter, Katherine. She works for an ad agency in New Orleans. Her co-worker, Dante Nicholas, wrote an article on Later.com “How Brands Can Celebrate Juneteenth on Social Media.” In his article, Dante states “June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth – is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States….At its heart, Juneteenth is a day of celebration.”
I clicked further to find that Dante is also a fabulous photographer. I screen-shot this post from his Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/allthingsdante/
In my reading, I felt a kinship to Margaret Walker. Not only did she have my name, she also lived in my home town of Jackson, MS. for a time. I wish I could say I met her or saw her speak, but I didn’t. But her words spoke to me today. Dante’s image makes me think of poets like Margaret who said, “Let a new earth rise.”
Using words from Margaret Walker from For My People, I wrote a small found poem to celebrate the freedom of Juneteenth.
For playmates in the clay
singing dirges, ditties, blues,
Let a bloody peace be written.It’s time, friends, it’s time!
Margaret Simon, found poem from Margaret Walker’s For My People.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, this is beautiful…what I especially like about a found poem today is that I/you dug into words and thoughts of African Americans to create meaning. That is true celebration from listening. That is…..e.m.b.r.a.c.e.
Bravo!
You always uplift, Margaret, in sharing your personal truths and in your poetry. So often of late – and at different points throughout this past year – I almost bailed on writing, too. Powering through was a reward in itself. A bit of inner strength regained. Here you have, once again, given a powerful, energizing word-offering with your found poem. The phrase “a bloody peace” – strikes horrifically deep. Thank you for sharing the artistry of Margaret Walker & Dante N.
I’m glad you waited for this inspiration, Margaret. What a lovely woman this friend Dante photographed, and the words are also lovely, then you found new words for us, from you! Connecting is what is so important, right? Enjoy your weekend!
Yes, “it’s time” peace and justice are way over due. Thanks for your found ditty, your journey to it, and inspiring pic!