Tag Archives: poetry

Benicia Black Lives Matter, Poetry in Benicia

Benicia’s Black Poetry Celebration – Next week Wednesday!

BLACK POETRY CELEBRATION
WED. APRIL 29 2026, 6-8PM
In the Library’s Doña Benicia Room
Also on Zoom: bit.ly/blackpoetrycelebration
Click image for full size poster.

Benicia Black Lives Matter invites you to a dynamic Black poetry event celebrating the depth, resilience, and brilliance of Black voices across generations, highlighting powerful works from lesser-known poets spanning the Reconstruction era to today.

Blending history with living artistry, the evening also features original performances by a diverse lineup of presenters:

    • Myla J., a compelling youth artist and orator
    • Devin Thomas, a passionate student leader and poet
    • Valdez Hill, a multifaceted poet and musician and host of Voices at the Table
    • Simone Nia Rae, an evocative artist and musician
    • Jacalyn Eyvonne, Vallejo’s Poet Laureate for 2024–2025 and
    • Brandon Greene Esq., a civil rights attorney whose artistry bridges music, poetry, and justice.

Together, they create a rich intergenerational experience that honors legacy while amplifying fresh, contemporary voices.

BLACK POETRY CELEBRATION
WED. APRIL 29 2026, 6-8PM
In the Library’s Doña Benicia Room [Map] Also on Zoom: bit.ly/blackpoetrycelebration
Coronavirus, Covid 19, Poetry

COVID-19 verse – a rather sad poem

By Roger Straw, Benicia CA, March 27, 2020

Editor – Covering coronavirus these past weeks, I’ve often been startled to think of previously unthinkable implications.  This morning’s news brought firsthand stories of bereaved families who could not be with their loved ones in the ICU as decline set in.  My heart is heavy thinking of so many going through the worst of this pandemic.  – R.S.

DEATH AT A DISTANCE

A coronavirus death,
Sudden and quick,
Unexpected, viral, wheezingly thorough,
And alone.

A social distance death,
A solo death,
Boxed and caged and tubed
To oblivion.

No distancing the grim reaper.

A family apart,
Set off and away,
A family in tears, light-tears apart,
Love without incarnation,
Loveloss torn asunder.

Are we to hold a Zoom funeral?
A flat-faced, big screen memorial?
Will Facetime be our only solace?

Roger Straw, March 27, 2020