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| *Artwork-by Nikita Vanchagov |
We thought the Moshannon ICE Detention Center could use a little whimsical energy. Poets and poetry lovers are sending inspiration to our detained neighbors by sharing their own work or beloved poems with Yero and others inside. Some poets are even reading their poems directly to Yero and discussing the words with him in real time.
At the end of this project, I will gather the poems that were shared and print them in a little booklet, sending several copies directly to those at Moshannon Detention Center.
If you’d like to support in another equally meaningful way, you can:
contribute to Yero’s commissary account so he can continue calling participating poets. Send him books of poetry through ThriftBooks. Just contact me for details.
I’ll begin with the poem I shared, and each day I’ll post another poem that has reached Yero. May our words be small lanterns in the dark.
I so love this poem!
Red Brocade
by Naomi Shihab Nye
The Arabs used to say,
When a stranger appears at your door,
feed him for three days
before asking who he is,
where he’s come from,
where he’s headed.
That way, he’ll have strength
enough to answer.
Or, by then you’ll be
such good friends
you don’t care.
Let’s go back to that.
Rice? Pine nuts?
Here, take the red brocade pillow.
My child will serve water
to your horse.
No, I was not busy when you came!
I was not preparing to be busy.
That’s the armor everyone put on
to pretend they had a purpose
in the world.
I refuse to be claimed.
Your plate is waiting.
We will snip fresh mint
into your tea.
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