Poems for Two Voices
Mississippi Trial
Christian Mormile
RDG 589
HIRAM GRANDPA
1. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve got no choice.”
2. “He’s got to do what he
thinks is right.”
3. “That’s just the way things are down here.” 3. “That’s just the way
things are down here.”
4.
Granpa, Ronnie Rennington told me
something about a
promise.”
5. “A man’s got to take
charge of his own life.”
6. “That’s just the way things are down here.” 6. “That’s just the way things
are down here.”
7. "They killed him. Doesn’t that make you feel mad?”
8. “I’ve got reasons. And I
don’t have to be
explaining them to my
grandson.”
9. “Why don’t they want to vote?”
10. “That’s just the way
things are down here.”
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The Voices in My Head |
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(A poem for two voices based on the novel Mississippi Trial, 1955 by Crhis Crowe) Kimberly Fry Jessica Ouellette Leigh Buczak Deborah Rand
If he stayed in his place he’d be alive today.
He’s just a kid, a kid like me.
If I had a choice I’d be on a train today to Tempe.
But Emmett Till is dead, for no good reason.
It’s an evil thing, a terrible, hateful thing.
Do I have a choice? Of course I have a choice.
Do you really think a jury of white Delta men is going to take your word over that of a local boy?
The wickedness!
You’re a good boy son, and I’m proud of you.
Remember who you are Hiram.
I know you’ll do the right thing. Remember to do what’s right.
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Poem for Two Voices
Teri Michaud and performed bo music with Robin, Leeann and Michelle
My dad hates hate. My dad hates hate.
(A)
You know how sometimes when you get
What you think you always wanted What you think you always wanted
(B) It turns out to be nothing like you expected.
That be the case That be the case
(A) You best learn not to (B) Be so uppity around white people
There is no friendship There is no friendship
(A) Between whites and coloreds (B) Never should be, never will be
Separate but equal Separate but equal
(A) Except in schools (B) Except in churches
(A) Except on trains (B) Except in stores
Know your place Know your place
Then work to change it Then work to change it
| Collage by Terri Michaud |
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front porch swing lemonade in tall glasses push mower near bird bath and water sprinkler
dirt road to tar paper shack beware pf barb wire strung from posts
new plaid skirts for school yellow bus check lunch break book bag note chalk board
no dream informal education barely reading walk all ways easily damaged
front door to the lunch counter to the voting booth to the movie theater to the fountain
back door or none; whether you are the star or not; water down the hall or go to the outhouse
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