A Living Photograph
Friend, in the recesses of my heart lives your laughter. And they all
tell me you are dead. They weep and I stand in wonderment. Really,
you are boundless. Really, we are one. And they all tell me you are
dead. What more could grief cast upon us but an endless field of joy?
Friend, I traveled to the furthest place from home. To find home.
Africa. And you too are here. It is Sunday Morning. I want to be
left in my Sunday Service mood. The last memory I can trace back from
my white heritage. Wanting to be alone.
"Odi, Odi, Odi....." The three letter word which means may I enter
your space. Repeated, it also means may I enter your space.
"Kalibu," ....is the echoed response, which means you may enter my space.
Just when I least wished for a visitor did I recieve a messenger. And
the camera of my heart took a living photograph.
Oh, dear friend, it had nothing to do with what you were wearing that
day. No, certainly it was not the long mink coat you were wearing
standing there in the 105 degree weather. It also had nothing to do
with the fact that you were wearing the same purple sunglasses my mom
wore in the seventies. (This is a true story) Rather, it was what
came from your mouth like embers from a flame.
You said, " it is Sunday and why are you not at church?" I say, " I
am episcopalian." As an escape from a three hour conversation of
religion. "Ati....Ati..." This is another three letter word which
means what have you just said. I stand up straight and confirm my
episcopalian nature. You said, "ahhh, you whites, you are all so
smart." Before my next breath you said," Tell me, are there Kings and
Queens in your country?" The silent pause between us now is pregnant.
And a new movement arises in my heart. You said," and I hear that
you people are even walking on the moon now."
Thank you friend. The darkness of your skin and the space where your
tooth once lived reminds me of a coffin. It is as though a dialogue
enters into that space and I hear a new song of our culture.
By:
Julie Griggs banantanda@hotmail.com |
