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American Wedding
MORE ABOUT THIS POEM
American Wedding
BY E SS E X HE MPH I LL BY ESSE X HE M PH IL L
ABOUT THIS POET
In america,
I place my ring
on your cock
where it belongs.
No horsemen
bearing terror,
no soldiers of doom
will swoop in
and sweep us apart.
They’re too busy Essex Hemphill was born in
looting the land Chicago and grew up in Southeast
to watch us. Washington, DC. A poet and
They don’t know performer known for his political
we need each other edge, he openly addressed race,
critically. identity, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and
They expect us to call in sick, the family in his work, voicing
watch television all night, issues central to the African
die by our own hands. American gay community. His
They don’t know first...
we are becoming powerful.
Read Full Biography
Every time we kiss
we confirm the new world coming.
MORE ABOUT THIS POET
What the rose whispers
before blooming
Region: U.S., MID-ATLANTIC
I vow to you.
I give you my heart,
a safe house. Quick Tags
I give you promises other than
milk, honey, liberty. LIVING LIFE CHOICES
I assume you will always
MARRIAGE & COMPANIONSHIP
be a free man with a dream.
In america, LOVE DESIRE
place your ring
on my cock REALISTIC & COMPLICATED
where it belongs.
Long may we live RELATIONSHIPS
to free this dream.
GAY, LESBIAN, QUEER
SOCIAL COMMENTARIES
Essex Hemphill, “American Wedding” from Ceremonies. Copyright © 1992 by Essex Hemphill.
Reprinted by permission of The Frances Goldin Literary Agency.
Source: Ceremonies (Cleis Press, 1992)
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