Spirit Songs

26 the minnesota review Nia Damali Spirit Songs Cracked voices hummed from church benches before altars and pale gods who drank holy water before communion as old women with white gloves fanned Jesus into their lives . . . the congregation rejoiced Amen! II Her ancient voice sang spirituals through dry lips which fought back lynching dreams over dark etched hands that clutched stained hankies like guns when Jesus couldn't save and there was no refuge she clenched her fists and moaned o Lord . . . O Lord III She wailed coded songs for Sojourner, Nat, and Harriet on menacing nights filled with Klansmen who professed to be gods not knowing the word Damali 27 came from Africa and Jesus had locks and the holy ghost was voodoo she closed her heavy eyes and rapture the spirit as ancestors echoed the song she chanted Amen! ...