January 20, 2025. Martin Luther King day.
Before I retired, the university where I worked had a day of service on this day. I would participate in that and also in a program of remembrance with readings associated with the work of Dr. King. I miss that, today, in particular, as it is coincidental with the inauguration of a president that makes me fearful for our nation and the world.
Poetry is my refuge and what I want to share this day.
“blessing the boats,” by Lucille Clifton has the sound and feel of the Buddhist Metta chant for loving kindness.
blessing the boats
(at St. Mary’s)
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
More from poets.org
“Day and Night,” Lewis Grandison Alexander
“Crossing,” Jericho Brown
“blessing the boats,” Lucille Clifton
“I Am a Black Woman,” Mari Evans
“Microwave Popcorn,” Harmony Holiday
“Dream Variations,” Langston Hughes
“In Memoriam: Martin Luther King, Jr.,” June Jordan
“Skit: Sun Ra Welcomes the Fallen,” Ruth Ellen Kocher
“Imagine,” Kamilah Aisha Moon
From “Citizen, VI [My brothers are not
Breathtakes 