Regarding James Baldwin

Born into this
place he was

a foreigner in
his home
his skin

others would be
smothered by
expectations

he was free enough
to simply walk
away from

he left a trail
a peacock's tale
colorful, rich and alive

he brimmed with honesty
strength woven

with clear-eyed
outrage, clarity
a flame

grown from twigs
of the purest love

for the ones he knew
deserved better

than even his writing
could deliver

his arms out
open to a world

willing to embrace
an unflinching witness