On July 9 we celebrated the publication of Cosmic Pockets, the debut book of poetry from Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic regular Joann Renee Boswell. Joann was our featured reader, and she did not disappoint.
Along with a selection of poems from her new book, Joann shared this new piece dedicated to Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Colorado man murdered by police while walking home from the store on August 24, 2019. Elijah was a massage therapist who enjoyed playing guitar and violin.
His mother has set up a GoFundMe account.
Sign the petition calling for justice for Elijah McClain.
Printed Matter Vancouver is proud to present Joann’s poem because we believe the harassment, torture, and murder of Blacks by police must stop. Black Lives Matter.
Power
By Joann Renee Boswell
— for Elijah McClain
The Man sprays pepper
calls down twitter gods
becomes loudest voice
strangles sound from little birds
white hot rage froths
each bully feels bullied
by being called bully
retaliate with billy clubs
Oh country, my country
Peace is a power
Generosity is a power
Love is a power too
each a gift of glass
delicate sheets
transparent, deadly
when twisted to exclude
you are giddy
overconfident
numb to reason
silent to emotion
power is privilege and music
violin strings massaging biceps
sing sweet security by candlelight
—but you contort them, suffocate the gentle
walk back to work
every day. untouchable.
bear the weight of conscience.
bare the fragility of skin tone.
PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER 