Dedicated to Ruby Dee
Photo courtesy of Dee Davis Enterprises
Like a well fitting skin
She puts on the stage
Neither seam nor a wrinkle
In this wondrous sage
She
Dances the words
Through her beautiful smile
And commands their step
To her voice
And her style
She
Tells a fine story
With vigor and brace
With demanding
Conviction and
Extraordinary grace
She
A woman of valor
A woman of choice
A woman of wisdom
And vibrant rejoice
She
A woman of texture
And colorful hues
A woman of wit
And unending muse
She
Of sensible views
And a woman of sense
Her vibrant expression
Part relaxed part intense
She
Crafter of syllables
Molder of words
That follow each other
A marched stream towards
A distinct goal and purpose
They burst a surprise
Nod, sigh or much laughter
In this well packaged prize
She
Brilliant, poetic,
Gallant and brave
Courageous
Undaunted
Deserving of rave
Vivid and splendid
Craftswoman supreme
Insightful
Delightful
A light ray
A beam
I thank you sincerely
For this evening that was
I delighted in both
You
The poet,
The prose
I bow to you deeply
So humbled I pause
And give you unfeignedly
My thunderous applause
—Midnight, November 7, 2004
Copyright © 2004 by Liam Redden
I’m thrilled and honored to present this well-crafted tribute to one of my favorite performers, Renaissance woman, Ms. Ruby Dee.
April 7th, 2009 - 5:44 pm
Thank you for posting this poem. It was created after seeing Ruby Dee in person for the very first time. She left me with uncontainable exuberance that evening, and I felt so excited and honored to have met her.
Huge thanks,
Liam Redden