William Nixon

William Nixon
 
Malcolm X Confronts Heaven
 
Sincerity his only credential when he rode the Ferris wheel
to face the jury of stars. Love must be stronger than steel.
In prison he learned too much while seated on toilets.
Now the comets can teach him no more than the bullets.
Their burning ice matches the stain on the carney barker’s tie.
To kiss the broken ring is no guarantee of a place in the sky.
Yet he has filled canyons with love and read the great book.
If Malcolm X is, then let God also be judge, jury, and crook.
 
 
 
William Nixon has published two poetry collections, “My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse” and “Love in the City of Grudges,” as well as several chapbooks. He lives in Woodstock, New York.