This is a draft of something that I’m working on for the Soul Revival Exhibition that Authentic Contemporary Art and Meroe Art Gallery is co-sponsoring in Baltimore. The exhibition is scheduled for May 1st-August 1st, 2010, with the opening reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 6-9 p.m.
Learners
(based upon a piece by Nijla Mumin)
At a lilt or an intonation,
He extends limbs,
Forefingers hide thumb,
A thin double stripe encircles the arm
Of a school uniform blue or grey,
His fingerprints could etch the ceiling.
Should she let him hold the chalk,
Diagram sentences,
Underline additions,
Conjugate his French,
Discuss invertebrate taxonomy,
Evaluate chemistry or Latin.
That recognition,
A nod or whisper,
To simply chime out his name,
Allows him a voice,
Offers attention,
Praises an affirmative,
Fosters an education.
By: Bonnie MacAllister
