Ayiti

I wrote this immediately following the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. It was one in a series.  

​

Ayiti

I am here to ask forgiveness of the earth
on behalf of those who blame her 
for the debt imperialism owes

Ayiti, first free black nation
used by France, Spain and the United States
as their own rape and go plantation

Poorest country in the Western Hemisphere
the first description of Ayiti
heard by school children
the way February congeals history:
only the top layer sticks
like boiled milk, la nata
like chicken fat, la grasa
in the pot of cooking it quick

Dr. King and Rosa Parks
a song or two from marches
a spiritual from the fields
cookies and juice afterwards
as the ghosts of millions
walk forgotten
down empty corridors
of half-baked knowledge simmering
in the cheap ass pleasure
of the good deed done

as another mother mourns
the unjust death on her only son

​1804, Ayiti, first free black nation
defeating French invasion

​U.S. does not recognize this
for 62 years
conflict of interest
with their own plantation

Spain
France
USA
genocide
invasion
​occupation
environmental devastation
to benefit our
corporations
Woodrow Wilson
never named
Marines take Haiti 
customs houses 
under siege
Master has the guns
so Master holds the keys

February will never be enough.