Looking out: Two introductions

Wednesday, May 26, 1993 - 10:00

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

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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.