Vox Populi
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Joy Gaines-Friedler: Detroit
I once photographed Coleman Young, twenty years the mayor – he made swearing an art form, talked in similes, said, Racism is like high blood pressure, the person who has it doesn’t know he has it until he drops over with a goddamned stroke. It was the day my husband moved out and took his power tools with him. That night a friend offered distraction, two tickets to Kool and The Gang. What have the suburbs to offer me now? The city feels comfortable in my hand like a found rock. Coleman said, Courage is one step ahead of fear. I think of the sound of factories in the voice of an old boyfriend from The Cass Corridor – cocoon of his attic bedroom, mattress on the floor, candle light and books in that long season of snow shining in the window – Coleman's city – Canada faultless in the glass towers along the river. Come on – celebrate good times… The word Renaissance is painted across this city’s solid surface. The flourish hides its wounds.
Joy Gaines-Friedler is a poet and photographer who lives in Detroit.
Poem and photographs copyright 2021 Joy Gaines-Friedler
Vox Populi 
Perfect pairing with Diego Rivera. I bet you and he and Frida would be friends.
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Great poem Joy. Love the Coleman Young descriptions/quotes and your photos.
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What a wonderful POEM!
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Thank you Rosemary!
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As a person “from away,” I’m never quite sure how to claim Detroit, if I can, if I want to, but this poem grabs me. I’d like to share that.
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Thank you Alex. Detroit has a way of getting under your skin. So much pain. So much beauty.
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I love the imagery that you use to create with just a few words and in the same breath- a feeling of vulnerability, power, fragility, strength, loss, recovery – personally, and about a place, Detroit.
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Thank you for such a close reading – and your comment!
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Detroit deserves a wonderful poet like Joy.
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Such a wonderful city – filled with talented artists. Including poets like you Pat Barnes.
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Alongside personal, parallel memories, I’m swooning in the reverie here Beautifully put.
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Thank you Beth! “celebrate good times” – why not?
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