A Tempest in a Teacup
by A. Van Jordan
Prospero
Assume, just for a moment,
I am denied a job
in the factory of my dreams
under the fluorescent lights
of a porcelain white foreman.
It’s orderly and neat.
I feed my family.
No one questions my face.
I raised my son in my likeness,
so he would never go unseen,
bobbing on a wave of expectation,
I set in motion with my back
put into my work, praying
for my country, blessed
with more of me, never worrying
about those who might die,
or those who did, trying
to stir a storm, trying
to stand where I’m standing.
About This Poem
“This poem is part of a series of poems in which characters from The Tempest become composite characters who wrestle with the tensions around how we talk about race today, particularly when that talk is gendered. Prospero represents the older, straight white male who fears the cultural shift in America, without seeing the benefits of that shift both for America and even for himself.”
—A. Van Jordan
A. Van Jordan is the author of four poetry collections, including The Cineaste (W. W. Norton, 2013). A professor of English and literature at the University of Mich
In French we say: "Une tempête dans un verre d'eau." (A tempest in a glass of water).
ReplyDeleteWe have similar sentences like: "J'ai un chat dans la gorge." (I have a cat in the throat). In English you say: "I have a FROG (grenouille) in the throat."
French and English share many similar words and sentences that are used in both languages.
There is one I hate to see badly used in your restaurant's menus it's your wrong way to use the word «ENTREES» which is the «main course» because «entrées» in French means «appetizers»... Main course dish in French is «plat principal».