I wrote this ekphrastic poem after attending an exhibit and open discussion of the works of 3 visual artist refugees who now create their art in America. The exhibit, which was presented by Heliport Gallery in Silver Spring, MD, was titled "Freedom" and reflected the definitive shift in the style and focus of the artists' work following their relocation to this country.

Freedom’s Echo
By J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford

The kaleidoscope has shifted
Barriers lifted
As if to allow shadows
To emerge from amidst blinding smoke
Tyranny’s yoke can no longer
Deny me the beauty of tomorrow’s sunshine
From this plateau uncharted rivers flow
And though yesterday’s pain is slow to yield
Brilliant blossoms now flourish on fields
Once blighted by iniquitous might
Today’s bouquet of bounty allows freedom to shine bright
Iridescent multicolored raindrops
Splash against panels inside my mind
Painted dim before this new dawn
Today I pirouette amidst playgrounds
And fling away constraint
Such a binding thing has no place here
Here, where brave new strokes unearthed by freedom
Soar my spirit to new heights
Who’s hands are these that paint in such bold and vibrant hues
What voice inside shouts in such grand crescendo
Echoing against a yesterday,
Haunted by a tomorrow never to be known by those left behind