annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Martin

the shrine's been built 

the banners are out

they're cummin'

the media's cummin'

they're cummin' with exhalation's ecstasy

orgiastic reportage in praise of the dead

ev'ry niggra hidden is set on stage

before the ev'ning news, 'tween 9 and 10

preyed upon to bolster pride

a display of guilt for Negroes to see

ancient murders recast to stir us to "when"

displayed, held captive

Eminem stands chanting their praise

while Tupac's discontent is quieted for the weak

but all imperialism of talk strangles us

we're shadows dancing on the walls of exclusion

expats parading in a massive charade

demonstrations of solidarity as the structures collapse

affirmative action proclaims our day is done

the scaffolds dismantled that helped us on the way

thus we are yet niggers

slaves inflating on the American Dream

for all is falling at the sound of each clap

the mule and 40 still taking their nap

*...would you want to go on being yourself forever?

  -Robertson Davies

*You should never rule out any possibility.  The scientists are always discovering something is possible they didn't think was possible.

  -Robertson Davies

*Curiosity...is one of the great mainsprings of life.

  -Robertson Davies