The Americans, 1958 
–Inspired by photos by Robert Frank
Shot four black men in pinstriped suits, how
they carried handkerchiefs at the funeral in St. Helena,
held straw hats above the crease in their hearts.
Coddled bold babies with nurses, a new mother,
matching in white, special full-dress in Charleston.
Dressed a man in fustian robes and wandered
with him to baptise brothers in Louisiana river
while they raved in the cross that hangs from them.
Jostled with a Texas jukebox to play tunes
that hit you capsized into barstools.
Topped lemon pie from Detroit drugstore diner,
full — where orange whip rings 10 cents
and breadcrumbs rest in hair nets.
Sunbathed budding boys and girls, hard up
collegians in sedans and mousy swim trunks.
Played headlights in the picture, caught
the child sleeping. Mother’s eyes looked dreary
on the way to Del Rio.
— by Jennifer A. King — from Borderlands – Texas Poetry Review (Spring/Summer 2009)
Robert Frank Photos — Source: Google Images
