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

SONNY
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
27 May 2026
🖨️ Print Article
Sonny Rollins
Poem by Raymond Nat Turner

Our wise Monk-guru, 
White winter mane and 
Douglass beard,
Sonny's an
Oak tree growing out
Sugar Hill concrete—
Colossus reaching, 
Stretching out into 
Open Van Gogh sky...
Stairway To The Stars 
Sage alchemist, blowing 
Brass tears from his tone
Into sweet sunbeams,
Reflecting Freedom Suite
Swagger, greeting Tubman years

His winter's more
Vital to peace people—
Humble, calloused, sweaty tribes—

Than great spring and summer
Bean stalking, Bird watching 
Gruff stuff, monkey bar cage,
Mirror, Brownie Points 
Bridge to Ashram karma
Yoga arc sterling character puzzle...

My 70s Sonny story:
One Hollywood night, 
Harold Vick and Sonny 
Locked up like Ali and
Frazier in Shelly's Manhole— 
"Thrilla in Manila,"
Jazz giants grappling
Like elephants
Rumbling in the jungle,
Tenor trunks roaring
Chorus after chorus after chorus...
Then, Miles-to-Trane-like... the 
Winner... Sonny, took 
The horn out his mouth:
"I don't have any more"
To shouts "More!" "More!"
Oak tree growing out
Sugar Hill concrete— 
Colossus reaching, 
Stretching out into 
Open Van Gogh sky—

Forty years later...

Raymond Nat Turner is a NYC poet, BAR's Poet-in-Residence, and founder/co-leader of the jazz-poetry ensemble UpSurge!NYC. You can vote for his work at GoFundMe and PayPal.

Jazz
Music
Art
Memorial
Sonny Rollins

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


Related Stories

Editors, The Black Agenda Review
ESSAY: In Our Hands: Thoughts on Black Music, Bernice Johnson Reagon, 1976
31 July 2024
For the late Dr.
Joan Gibbs
Matt Tracy
Joan Gibbs, Renowned Lesbian Activist and Attorney, Dies at 71
10 April 2024
Joan Gibbs, long time civil rights attorney and activist, is remembered for her deep commitment to her community and for so
Ralph Poynter
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
For Ralph
20 March 2024
"They have got to pick up the work ..." 
Lorraine Hansberry
Editors, The Black Agenda Review
SPEECH: A Challenge to Artists, Lorraine Hansberry, 1962
21 February 2024
At a rally against the House Un-American Activities Committee, insurgent playwright Lorrainne Hansberry called on artists to shake off the fear
JoeSam art
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
MrJoeSam’s Text Messages
24 January 2024
MrJoeSam’s Text Messages
Avotcja’s Love…
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
Avotcja’s Love…
22 March 2023
                                         
For Larry Roland
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
For Larry Roland
08 March 2023
                                         
A lil’ homegoing homage to Brother Donald…
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
A lil’ homegoing homage to Brother Donald…
27 April 2022
Donald Smith always performe
Photo: Kevin W. Thorbourne
Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
Bird, strings, Big Chief: 100: Harlem (For Charlie Parker/Donald Harrison/Harlem Symphony Orchestra)
08 September 2021
Bird, strings, Big Chief: 100: Harlem (For Charlie Parker/Donald Harrison/Harlem Symphony Orchestra)  

More Stories


  • Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
    Venezuela Declares State of Emergency, Calls for International Solidarity in Official Communiqué
    07 Jan 2026
    Venezuela's statement categorically denounces U.S. action as criminal aggression, framing the nation's resistance as a legitimate defense of sovereignty against imperialism.
  • Struggle La Lucha
    Cuba Reports 32 Fighters Killed in U.S. Attack on Venezuela
    07 Jan 2026
    In Venezuela and around the world Cuba is in the forefront of defending revolution.
  • Black Alliance for Peace Africa Team
    The Black Alliance for Peace Africa Team Condemns the Israeli/U.S. Effort to Destabilize Somalia with the Recognition of Somaliland
    07 Jan 2026
    Israel's recognition of Somaliland undermines not just Somalia's sovereignty, but that of all African states.
  • The Editors
    Black Agenda Report Will Return January 7, 2026
    19 Dec 2025
    The Black Agenda Report team are taking our annual end of year break. We will be back with a new issue on January 7, 2026. Thanks for your support and have a great holiday season!
  • BAR Radio Logo
    Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
    Black Agenda Radio December 19, 2025
    19 Dec 2025
    In this week’s segment, we present a conversation about birthright citizenship, its benefits to Black people, and why it is under attack. But first, we hear from a U.S. activist who recently traveled…
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us