I wish I knew James Baldwin better.
I’m writing this on his centenary,
the perfect time
to think about him again
when we need him
“now more than ever.”
He was more important
than generally acknowledged
and quicker than just
“run of the mill”
and when he had to leave
not just because
of how he looked
France took him in
and he kept writing.
I haven’t read enough
beyond some early stuff allowed
because the Power didn’t
realize where it was leading
and I had to read
so many other things
to keep up
and he provided a mirror
for people to look
and see themselves
they didn’t like the way they look
or think the way it made them think
and it’s too late now
for me to invite him over
so we can talk and I can tell him
how much he means,
and slow reader that I am
I still can fill in gaps
read his work
go to the library
if he’s still on the shelves.