We stand alone facing our own mortality
Wondering what this life has in store for us
We feel alone, like that solitary white cloud in an indefinable sky
Yet, even the cloud strives to be something
Twisting and changing forms into distinct images, so it seems
Or does our mind perceive these forms like we do our own existence
Needing to be defined.
Stumbling to his senses he fell into his routine
Readied for the world he stepped from behind his fort
Warm was the sun that kissed his face
Walking block after block he was greeted
Womanly smiles and manly nods gave him affirmation
The sounds that warm the air were abundant
Every step inflated the anticipation of the day’s coming events
With destination in sight, he was blind-sided
Two old ladies were the perpetrators with their reckless actions
In the aftermath of this crash
He catches the reflection of a figure in a near by window
Standing alone naked, holding just the pieces of his dignity
A reminder that he is still black.
Who is Antoine Edmonds?
Antoine Edmonds is a prolific poet harmonizing the pains and pleasures experienced in inner-city America. His vividly detailed words create an imagery that allows you to be lured into each poem as if you were standing there watching each of his reflections.
His groundbreaking debut book entitled Brown Paper Bag Life is a collection of poetry that is both mentally and visually stimulating. Edmonds’ expressive style provides depth and color to keep the reader hanging on every word. His use of verbal irony and symbolism creatively convey the poems’ subject matter, while visual imagery helps make the poems exciting and expressive. Whether writing about dreams abandoned in parking lots or orange, weathered basketballs waiting for play on the blacktop, Antoine’s reflections connect with the larger world.
