'The skeleton architecture of our lives'

 

“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde

 

Born in New York City in February oif 1934, Lorde was a writer and civil rights activist best known for poetry that dealt with issues related to civil rights, feminism, and the exploration of black female identity.   Among her most powerful and oft-quoted writings are the award-winning book of poetry, Coal, and her book on women’s rights, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches.   She also wrote and spoke eloquently about battling cancer, a disease from which she died at age 58.

 

For Saturday’s Poem here is Lorde’s,

 

                                                            Coping

It has rained for five days
running
the world is
a round puddle
of sunless water
where small islands
are only beginning
to cope
a young boy
in my garden
is bailing out water
from his flower patch
when I ask him why
he tells me
young seeds that have not seen sun
forget
and drown easily.