Paul Robeson stood
on the northern border
of the USA
and sang into Canada
where a vast audience
sat on folding chairs
waiting to hear him.
He sang into Canada.
His voice left the USA
when his body was
not allowed to cross
that line.
Remind us again,
brave friend!
What countries may we
sing into?
What lines should we all
be crossing?
What songs travel toward us
from far away
to deepen our days?
* Paul Robeson, 1898-1976, the great African-American singer and actor, was also one of the most passionately outspoken advocates of racial equality in his time. In 1950, the State Department revoked his passport, banning him from travel or personal contact with his vast international audience.
Originally Published in Cider Press Review, Volume 1.