In this week’s poetry thread, I’d like to acknowledge pieces written by Americans of color, including African-Americans, Latinos, native peoples, etc., specifically (shorter) works capturing some aspect of life in America as perceived from the vantage point of a minority.

Some of the many notable creators in this broad and rich genre are Maya Angelou, N. Scott Momaday, Gil Scott-Heron, Suheir Hammad, John Yau, and Denver’s own Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales.

As inspiration, and a vague point of reference, I’ve included the brilliant collage Rocket to the Moon by Romare Bearden, whom I consider a “visual poet” as much as an artist. I look at his work and I feel words. Continue reading →