The Tables Are Starting to Turn- The World Has Spoken

I recently discovered Tracy Chapman and I adore her because she uses her talent to shed light, in a subtle, powerful way, on those who are too often overwhelmed to react against the weight of their obligations and disappointments.  Two years ago, I went to New York with my mom and Miss Trudy and Tante Mona to see a play called The Things of Dry Hours.  ( Here’s a link to my review: http://trumpetworld.blogspot.com/2009/06/things-of-dry-hours-at-new-york-theatre.html  )

The title of the play is taken from a great Gwendolyn Brooks poem called  kitchenette building.  Ms. Brooks,like Tracy,  is subtle and powerful in her presentation of why people sometimes fail to dream or  keep a dream alive. 

Happy Holidays. Power to the Imagination.  Power to the 99%.  Here is Tracy Chapman singing Talking About a Revolution.

Kitchenette Building
by Gwendolyn Brooks

We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan, 
Grayed in, and gray. "Dream" makes a giddy sound, not strong 
Like "rent," "feeding a wife," "satisfying a man." 

But could a dream send up through onion fumes   
Its white and violet, fight with fried potatoes   
And yesterday's garbage ripening in the hall,   
Flutter, or sing an aria down these rooms 

Even if we were willing to let it in, 
Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,   
Anticipate a message, let it begin? 

We wonder. But not well! not for a minute!   
Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now,   
We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.
 

from "Selected Poems" © 1963 by Gwendolyn Brooks.
Reprinted with the permission of the Estate of Gwendolyn Brooks