I have been watching the "dialogue" about Don Imus making racial slurs on his radio show with great interest, seeing as how my work centers around the issues involved. I’ll write some op-ed pieces about it, no doubt, in the coming days. But in the meantime, my friend Joan (thanks, Joan!) sent a link to a powerful essay by Harvey Fierstein that appeared this week in The New York Times, entitled "Our Prejudices, Ourselves." It is a must-read.
Exacto Blade
her neck stiffens and lengthens
chest contracts and lifts from the sternum slightly
Chin remains
up
breathing extends in duration
in and out
as if it is dancing to booming static
rage
becomes
acceptance
finally
forgiveness
Witnessing my sisters response
as blatant bigotry is aimed at her
beautiful skin
shot directly toward her ever changing hair
missing her heart
her grace
In those moments
her Intelligence masquerades as patience
during questioning
her
laughter releases the absurdity of it
shrug off any remains of the horror
an ancient swelling within
directs the
letting go
Thomai 07
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In 2005, Patti Digh started her blog, 37days, following the death of her stepfather who died just 37 days after being diagnosed with cancer. Six books about living mindfully followed. And there’s more to come.
