Little Strategies
illustration
by Jay Thiemeyer
Kat Davis created this original work for Street Roots to reflect the state
l b of our nation’s controversial immigration policies.
“First, I knew I wanted to feature the flag raising at Iwo Jima. This is an
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Street Roots • June 29-July 5, 2018
Street Poetry
Page 14
Beneath the surface of the earth are hands, "lh e pair on
morph into the roots at the base of the flag raise. They are
welcoming. Yet they provide the support in order for the fi
raise the flag. This is a call to action to support, or, ultimately,
I know immigrants coming to America want to feel a sense of belonging
and community. It is up to those already here to offer that inclusion. The
hand, or fist, in the center pays homage to the Black Lives Matter fist,
which is becoming so widely used in civil rights activism that this icon is
now synonymous with a “Call to Action” or a response of “I Stand With
You, I Support You.”
Bill
The sky, Davis said, is inspired by the work of Vincent Van Gogh, and
reflects the dream of immigration.
■
111!!
“They dream of a better life for themselves and their families.”
s »»»'»'.
Kat Davis
■la
«»»»
On the street, it’s little strategies
knowing who & what, when & where;
how to keep it whole, a world
of one’s own. Like any homemaker.
It’s about nothing. Nothing good lasts
a wise assumption.
Nothing to take home
Nothing & no one to trust
Nothing matters but this moment,
where you’ll be steered.
You find money, take it quick.
You find a book of poetry, Dorianne Laux
say, don’t read it. It will
only make you weep.
Keep your eyes on the street.
Keep what you see to yourself.
Little strategies you may have
your own, some that you
haven’t stumbled upon yet.
Let me know when you find them.
I won’t look for you.
You discover yourself
in the deal.
Use BottleDrop
Give to donate
bottle and can
deposits to great
non-profits like
Street Roots*
» . e ■: s »»
One devises little strategies,
same as any homemaker:
tucking in here, nipping out there.
The street, a world that is otherwise
goalless, undefined,
borderless
and terribly constricted:
little strategies
SISTERS
OF THE
ROAD
Cm3
MEAL COUPONS
$2.00 / EACH
A Loving way to respond to
panhandling! Meal Coupons can
be used at Sisters of the Road for
a healthy meal and a drink.
Give someone a meal, start a
conversation, and maybe make a
new friend.
"■
www.sistersoftheroad.org
133 NW Sixth Avenue, PDX 97209
info@sistersoftheroad.org
(503) 222-5694
L A U G H IN G P L A N E T .C O M