Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire

Malcolm X Tic-Tac-Toe in the Age of…Austerity?
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
28 May 2013
🖨️ Print Article

by Raymond Nat Turner

Tic-Tac-Toe, X versus O

Shrewd black buck dancer

O a cancer— X an answer

 

Malcolm X Tic-Tac-Toe in the Age of…Austerity?

by Raymond Nat Turner

 

Vertical, diagonal, horizontal moves

Of Malcolm X, martyr, giant, live on

Like simple grid, paper and pencil games

Of Noughts and Crosses, 3-in-a-row—

Tic-Tac-Toe in the age of… Austerity

 

X, like exciting, expanding, extending,

X, like exalting, exemplary, example,

Excelling, exceeding— revolutionary as

Exponential, unlimited—far as you dare!

 

O, as in hollow, phony, posture, nothing!

O as diversion, like COINTELPRO, Psy-

Op or false consciousness like blue-collar

Workers masquerading as middle-class!

 

3-in-a-row, X versus O

Tic-Tac-Toe, X versus O

Shrewd black buck dancer

O a cancer— X an answer!

 

Africom boots on the Congo

Banksters bagging big dough

Mother Africa their hoe

A peculiar quid pro quo

Slaves cheering status quo

Their beer full of GMO—

Madison Avenue mojo!

 

3-in-a-row, X versus O

Tic-Tac-Toe, X versus O

Shrewd black buck dancer

O a cancer— X an answer!

 

Negroz go pianissimo

Fiery X’s blocked by O,

Rich white house Negro,

Attorney Generalissimo

Super of Guantanamo

Teachers rise against O

Working-class Tic-Tac-Toe!

 

3-in-a-row, X versus O

Tic-Tac-Toe, X versus O

Shrewd black buck dancer

O a cancer— X an answer!

 

Raymond Nat Turner can be contacted at upsurgejazz.com.

 

Raymond Nat Turner © 2013 All Rights Reserved

Do you need and appreciate Black Agenda Report articles? Please click on the DONATE icon, and help us out, if you can.


More Stories


  • Original Haitian constitution
    Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    DOCUMENT: Constitution of Hayti, 20 May 1805
    10 Apr 2024
    The 1805 Constitution of Hayti presents a far-reaching and radical vision for the nation – and demonstrates why Haiti must constantly fight for its sovereignty.
  • Rwandan refugees in Congo
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    In Praise of Blood: Crimes of the Rwandan Patriotic Front
    10 Apr 2024
    Judi Rever risked her life to write the true story of the Rwandan Genocide.
  • Mia Mottley and CARICOM
    Kevin Edmonds
    CARICOM, Regional Arm of the Core Group, Sells Out Haiti Again.
    10 Apr 2024
    Don’t be fooled by the "progressive" rhetoric of the leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). What they’re doing in Haiti is shamelessly serving the interest of US empire.
  • Kagame
    Glen Ford, BAR Executive Editor
    Kagame: Murderer of Millions in Congo and Rwanda
    10 Apr 2024
    In what may be the world’s most bizarre spectacle, notables from around the globe this year pay homage to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as if he is the savior of Africa.
  • Joan Gibbs
    Matt Tracy
    Joan Gibbs, Renowned Lesbian Activist and Attorney, Dies at 71
    10 Apr 2024
    Joan Gibbs, long time civil rights attorney and activist, is remembered for her deep commitment to her community and for social justice. The impact of her loss is incalculable.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us