Book signing Barnes and Noble

In a Boston Night - Book signing on January 10, 2009 at the New Tampa Barnes and Noble bookstore. Photo by Kshanika Persaud.

IN JANUARY

In January

Even in January when the cypress
Has gone bald, there is clutter
From the past: Spanish moss, you say,
Confederate gray like the beards
Of Hindu sages stroked by the fingers
Of wind. A meditation or a yagna,
Chants from a thousand yogis—
You are who you are; who are you
You are who you are; who are you

A man whose mother was white
Is African-American. Even if you play
On words like that other “lawyer”
In the White House (I did not have sex
With that woman) an African father
Makes you African—if you are
Born in good ole USA! Who knew
You were another lefty?

Reporters take a raccoon’s ass break
On race except you mention noose
Or words beginning with “G” or “F”
Or “N” – Namaste Namaste Namaste
Chant the yogis in unison
You are who you are; who are you
You are who you are; who are you

©Sasenarine Persaud