Peace as Art: Al Black speaks

Original artwork by S.K. Dapoz

Three Spring Questions

In the Deep South, spring waits at the garden gate.

Wisteria & trees intertwine

While exchanging winter grays & browns

For bright blouses of blossoms.

The air smells alive--

Fertile Earth is warm

As it crumbles between my fingers:

A handful of dust – ions in the making

Sprinklings from the birth of stars

Blood & bones of Cherokee – of European – of African

Struggling no longer, united in my hand--

Fertile earth to feed future generations

Is war inevitable?  Will peace come only in the clouds

Of chalk dust from Einstein’s equations?

Or does peace come with springtime

Entering at the gate?

(A. E. Black, 03/01/11)

Al Black is a native of Lafayette, IN, who now resides with his wife of 39 years in Chapin, SC.  He is an active Bahá’í, works as a recruiter for a medical school, blogs irregularly and writes poetry on a daily basis.  He also hosts a twice monthly live poetry/music venue in Columbia, SC called Mind Gravy.  Mind Gravy events showcases a featured poet, guest musician and open mic from the top creative talent in South Carolina and the surrounding states.  He may be found on Facebook or at albeemindgravy@gmail.com or at http://www.hoosierinthelandofcotton.wordpress.com