The work of my friend Eriberto Oriol, is the perfect blend of activism, clean lined aesthetics and social commentary. With the soulful eye of an artist, he is also part photojournalist. It is Art as social practice. It was his photographic work that inspired this poem below on the eve of another 4th of July.

” IN AMERICA”

America, likes it when you’re silent
They want you to stay “in your place”
They tell you “its enough”
You don’t tell us, we’re Americuh.

She’ll tell you like an old lover it’s over, when it ain’t
Her sweet seduction is cover for her mistakes
Wants you to pretend she was never late
Long white cars, smooth skin, no perfections
Hair straight
Don’t mind if I do, she says I miss you-with a smirk
Hidden beneath cotton blood red white and blues
This American land is swollen with possibility

Black eyes and history spills into the street
In America silence is a key
Locking us with chains
Calling us names like Tonto and Chief
In American silence is hidden deep grief

If American art is our relief
Jazz blues griot graffiti gospel sounds
Eyes ablaze on a cross as RammEllzee
Arming his letters then now for you and me
Pre-Sesame Street
Today’s letter is “R” :for racism
He tried to warn worn warriors
Roll away the stone again
For in America ask Snowden
Silence now is:
Golden

Douglas Miles
San Carlos, AZ