i am in detroit r shooting america
a film about foster care
which we r making in a former boys home
closed a few months ago
in the extras waiting room
a bright blonde beautiful boy
a young eminem
looked about twelve
fifteen he told me
and i asked him to stand
which he did - smiling
a neck full of hickeys
later in the driveway
with his older pal in tow
we chatted about life - his parents
his parole officer - his medication
he lived in the foster home
we were filming in
for over a year
he is back with his parents now
he doesnt sleep home often
he crashes with friends
on couches or floors
his nails were dirty
did i sleep on my money - he asked
a million dollars in the mattress?
he has no plans for his future
no dreams of what he will be
in ten years i ask
what do u imagine for ur life
i hope with a house
and maybe a car - he said
i looked at his tiny body
not even in puberty
his baggy pants sagging
he held my eyes
mama lucas is inside - he told me
from american gangster
shes in the wheelchair
right in there
ruby dee
civil right activist - leader inspiration
what a privilege to spend this election day
in her presence
we spoke of martin and malcolm
their words and spirits felt this november day
as the nation once again rides together toward the truth
amen amen
she walked onto the set
opened her heart
like watching picasso paint
baryshnikov fly
the crew applauded after each take
amazed - captivated
as she wiped the tears
from her ethereal brown face
such grace
such beauty
such a gift
for us all
peace be with u
