James Marshall Goff Poet Prose Poetry

Walkin' On State Street

Me and Alex were walkin' on State Street one early Saturday morning
 in the bright sun reflecting off deep snow. I saw long-haired ghosts of '67
drift by on the nearly deserted sidewalk....Alex didn't see them, but they looked
my way, held my gaze, and shuffled on.

....I heard bullhorns blasting truth, and
students rushing by, clutching busted heads,
early in the mornin'
.....30yrs. ago,
walkin' on State Street.

now, 
silent anthems sleep,
while ages sow keepers
who lift hearts
like the sunrise,
spurring miracles from
helpless seeds,
amid the yearning, frozen will, and
gun-clenched enemies of peace,

....30yrs. ago,
walkin' on State Street

....dedicated to the courageous students at the University of Wisconsin, Madison who, in 1967 
staged a peaceful sit-in on campus to protest 'Dow Chemical' (manufacturers of napalm) 
recruiting at the University, 
Madison Police were called in to clear the building, (at the request of the school's Dean) 
brutality erupted, sending chills to College campuses nationwide, sparking students at 
Universities across the nation to protest the 'Vietnam War' the rest is history...

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Tevin Wilson16yahoo.Com April 10, 2009 at 11:48 PM love how you tell a story in your writing

Helen Beck April 5, 2009 at 10:09 AM The title caught my attention James. I was young but we had a 'state street' also, as BoBo and I walked along. Enjoyed this poem, thanks! Helen

Charmaine Chircop April 2, 2009 at 2:26 PM hi jim,i read your well penned poetry now,im only 31 but i remember my mum's uncle telling us how he fought and survived in vietnam's war,he remained traumatized,many losthearts broken.he was maltese lived in Benicia california,he never wanted to fight that war,if only they could have listened to those students,you brought back history-hope it wont continue repeating itself,cos in all the world wars never seem to stop unfortunately,great poem-charma

Charmaine Chircop April 2, 2009 at 1:06 PM re little nick,i want to thank you for your prayers,he passed away,nick is an angel in heaven praying for us now,thanks for your support-charmaine

L'Nass Shango April 2, 2009 at 12:16 PM Jim, my brother, thanks to you for seeing where I am coming from. I know why it is easy, because this poem says you are standing at that moment too ... and like me speaks to the now from an authentic vision. Great write, peace and love

Carolyn Devonshire April 2, 2009 at 10:27 AM "The long-haired ghosts of '67" captured me, James. You convey well the attitudes of youth during a time when many young lives were being lost in an undeclared war. The travesties that awaited them when they returned to the states still fill me with disgust. But your poem reminds me of the angst that fueled the peace movement. BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing this.

Catherine Reinke April 2, 2009 at 8:37 AM wow I went to school at UW Madsion and love state street. yo are right it as is the twon filled with ghosts. I look forward to reading more of your work. do you live there now?

Sharon Winter April 2, 2009 at 7:05 AM A chilling and well written dedication. I was so young then, but I sure do remember those days. Awesome write. Love, Shar

Laurie Ginn April 2, 2009 at 6:08 AM And a terrible dark place in history it is. Good remembrance. Think I'll hit the web later and read more. Don't you just hate it when poems are so educational they make you want to learn...

Christopher Higgins April 2, 2009 at 4:58 AM This is well done..love the opening...good writing Jim..thanks for the comments.