We were infamous exiles
headed Northeast
out of the wastelands of the west
Four Brave souls
my children and I
Running toward hope
Leaving behind pity
and abandonment
past a year of wandering
now following the road
out of Nevada/Arizona
through the Texas valleys
into dry New Mexico
toward acceptance
our hearts beating
to the eclectic joy
of Simon’s Graceland
Singing Diamonds on the Soles of our Shoes
in unison, with faith
we will find our way home
No matter that it stood
in a former war zone
No matter possessions gone, stolen, given away
Zydeco and South African notes
Guiding us mysteriously
Soaring on what we knew
that we knew
as if we were under African skies
instead of finding shelter
off the freeways of the Midwest.
Thank heaven for those ballads
Our anthem while navigating
a tightrope of emotions
Thank God those musicians
revealed the myths of our fingerprints.
Poetry Road 