April Is National Poetry Month!

April Is National Poetry Month!

An award-winning poet, an educator, an editor, and the founder of Louts Press that has merged with Dudley Randall Broadside press to become what is now Broadside Lotus Press. She has written numerous collections of poetry and her poetry has appeared in various African American publications. The Naomi Long Madgett Award is given out annually for a collection of poetry written by an African American. Today I spotlight Detroit’s Poet Laureate Naomi Long Madgett!

MIDWAY

NAOMI LONG MADGETT

I've come this far to freedom and I won't turn back

I'm climbing to the highway from my old dirt track

I'm coming and I'm going

And I'm stretching and I'm growing

And I'll reap what I've been sowing or my skin's not black

I've prayed and slaved and waited and I've sung my song

You've bled me and you've starved me but I've still grown strong

You've lashed me and you've treed me

And you've everything but freed me

But in time you'll know you need me and it won't be long.

I've seen the daylight breaking high above the bough

I've found my destination and I made my vow;

so whether you abhor me

Or deride me or ignore me

Mighty mountains loom before me and I won't stop now.