Two introductions
By Brandon Astor Jones
First, let me introduce myself. I am a 50-
year-old father of four. It is a privilege for me to be permitted to share my personal, social and political views with Green Left readers. As an Afro-American, I feel I can provide you a unique perspective. I plan to write about many subjects, some of which other papers shy away from.
Let me say too, that I am also incarcerated; at this writing, I have spent more than 13 years on death row in the state of Georgia (situated in the south-eastern portion of the US).
As a prisoner, I often have a lot of time on my hands. So then, if I write something in this column that you — for whatever reason — take issue with, I would like to hear from you. At the end of this column my name and address appear so that you may write to me direct or, you can voice your opinion via the "Write on" section of GLW.
I want readers to know I am accessible. I am not one of those know-it-alls; and I will appreciate the time readers spend sharing their views and suggestions with me regarding any subjects or issues raised in this column. I will respect your view whether you agree with me or not.
Second, I would like also to introduce you to Miss Jasmine Olivia Jones, my very first great grand-daughter. Born April 1, 1993, she weighed six pounds, 15
.5J243>3
55DJ0>/
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55D> ounces. She came safely and perfectly into this world at precisely 10:00 a.m. and she was measured at a full 19 inches long.
She was born to Sarah and Reginald Jones, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With you, I share the following two poetic tributes to her wondrous birth and magnificent future, respectively.
A Jasmine in (haiku) Bloom
Spring forth GREAT GRAND DAUGHTER
Despite the snow and chill wind
Warmth, too, is your friend.
Mid-western
germination
(New Bloomings & Rhymes — Spring 1993)
Great Grand Daughter
Birthed in the White sands of time
Conceived amid Black fertility — and infinity.
Tiny seed of fusion beauty
Rooted precariously in two worlds, made one
By cultivated adolescent maturity.
Our little Jasmine
Sprung forth in America's Minnesota.
Honor her rights to civility.
Prepare thyself and life
Oh child of divine colors ... mixing;
Yours will not be obscurity.
Ahead of you lie
Many joys, blights and societal pains
You'll brave with brilliance's purity.
There is no room
In your foliating-future
For pretense: embrace truth and clarity.
Be proud! Knowing
You are your parents' very best
And nature's love in perpetuity.
(To write: Brandon Astor Jones, EF-122216
G2-51, GDCC, PO Box 3877
Jackson, Georgia 30200, USA.)