by Guinotte Wise.
For a smallish fellow I throw an impressively
long shadow about five pm, but so does a
blade of grass, a weed, a fencepost. Mine,
however, reminds me of a photograph of
marchers to Selma so many years ago.
Heroic shadows. Long strides indicated.
Unhesitating steps. Solidarity that shook
certain worlds. They knew the consequences
yet they strode into the Valley of Sundown
Towns, a black & white photo of black &
white circumstances overdue for seismic
change. Where racism is ugly and craven,
they were beautiful and strong, shadows
thrown long, so long they stretch into now
and tomorrow and forever.