Hands And Pillars Of Sand Comments

I have reread and thought about this before posting my comments. It's a humbling for me to comment on your passionate words because I am a part of the society which has denied equality and respect to African Americans. In my years as a high school teacher I tried to make my classroom a welcoming and safe place. But there young black males like the ones you write about who had been so wounded by society's indifference BEFORE they met me that they could not trust me. Fortunately there was a youth advocate named Frank who counseled and guided them, made it possible for them to feel trust. I thought of Frank's wonderful spirit as I read your poem. I wish I could give him a copy because he would fully appreciate your passion. Your closing metaphor of the sand castles built over time swept away in a second cut me to the quick. I'm adding this poem to my collection so I can come back to it again.