A Black Genius

Ishmael Reed

       ^{His mother responds to her “genius” son}

I’m familiar with your
Prestige, your honorary
Degrees your name
Mentioned on the news
Thousands eager to
Hear your views

An Avedon took your
Photo, a prime minister
Read your books
Your spouse admired for
Her depth and Intellect
Your children
For their good looks
Your poetry is known
From Judith’s library
In Maine to
Scholz Garten in the state
Of Texas
But two of your
Brothers own
Black Cadillacs and
And another brother
Owns a Lexus  

Copyright © 2024 by Ishmael Reed. Originally published in Poem-a-Day on December 3, 2024, by the Academy of American Poets.

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“This poem is about how some people value the collection of assets over art and culture.”
—Ishmael Reed

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