Sarah Frances Hardy, Dress Me, MODERATOR
Louise Borden, The Journey That Saved Curious George
William Joyce, Ollie’s Odyssey
Barry Moser, Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds
Carole Boston Weatherford, You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen, Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
In an effort to get to know my fellow panelists, I've have in recent weeks read all of the above titles. Good stuff! And today I want to share with you a poem from YOU CAN FLY: The TUSKEGEE AIRMEN by Carole Boston Weatherford.
The Odds
As you stand at attention, your commander
tells you cadets to look left and right.
The men beside you may not make it.
You glance at your comrades,
hoping you all beat the odds.
You pray every night to make the cut.
Your God-fearing mama writes
that folks back home are on their knees
sending up timber for you --
their favorite son.
you vow not to wash out.
Tuskegee is a laboratory,
and you are under a microscope.
But the distance to your goal
is longer than any airstrip.
The burden of past and future,
heavier than any aircraft.
The eyes of your country are on you;
the hopes of your people
rest on your shoulders.
Some days, you look heavenward --
sensing that it might be easier
to defy gravity than Jim Crow.
-Carole Boston Weatherford
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About the book: The story is told in 33 (if I counted correctly!) poems, all using 2nd person (the "you" voice!), which really creates a sense of immediacy. The reader really feels like he, too, is a Tuskegee airman. And the illustrations are by Carole's son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford. I love it when family members collaborate! As Tuskegee is just a couple of hours from my house, I have a special attachment to this bit of history. I'm so grateful to these brave young men who moved us one step closer to equality. Give this book a fly! ;)
And now, me and Doraine, last month in a sweet little town called Pine Mountain, GA:
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| Bonus: pretty sure I was with Doraine in a different sweet GA town when she bought that great birdcage t-shirt! Or maybe it was an owl t-shirt? Hmm... |
Oh, Irene, I checked out the schedule and planned my day: A Conversation with Kate DiCamillo, Children's Illustrated, Middle Grade Readers, Memoir, and A Conversation with Jacqueline Woodson. What an incredible opportunity. Now if only I could really come! Maybe you'll share highlights with us.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly who to share this book with!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't ever easy being a 'laboratory', what an image for us to contemplate. I wish I could be there to see you and your panel, Irene. It will be inspiring, I know. Thanks for sharing all the books by these poets, and have a marvelous time. Love that pic, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious poem! It captures such intention and weight! I'm now looking forward to tomorrow even more, and I didn't think that possible! See you SOON!
ReplyDeleteVery moving poem with a real kicker, "it might be easier/ to defy gravity than Jim Crow." Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great time at the conference.
ReplyDeleteI blogged about this important book in the Spring, and shared it with my kiddos - that poem is so powerful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip. The are so lucky to have you there. I powerful poetry. I'm ordering this now.
ReplyDeleteThe airman poem you share is heavy in both words and theme. It sounds like you have a wonderful day ahead of you. You and Doraine look like real kindred spirits!
ReplyDeleteLucky you to be on that panel! Louise Borden is one of my favorite people in the world!
ReplyDeleteWhat a rich, wonderful panel that will be! "It might be easier/to defy gravity than Jim Crow." Powerful words. Thanks for sharing this poem and this bit of history.
ReplyDeleteTalk about powerful endings! I love seeing the two smiling faces at the end of your post, too. Perhaps we'll get to see one of you and Keri soon? Enjoy the book festival, Irene! xo
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my thoughts, as always, but especially during this Mississippi trip. Enjoy. Be you.
ReplyDeleteIt was the owl shirt I bought when we were together. Almost wore that one that day. Ha!
Keeping you in my thoughts, as always, but especially during this Mississippi trip. Enjoy. Be you.
ReplyDeleteIt was the owl shirt I bought when we were together. Almost wore that one that day. Ha!
Thank you for sharing the poem. And love the picture of you and Doriane. POETRY POWER!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the poem. And love the picture of you and Doriane. POETRY POWER!
ReplyDeleteAmazing panel (with YOU on it) and amazing poem - I want to get my hands on Weatherford's book. How fun to connect with Dori - great picture of you two. =)
ReplyDelete