In “Cape,” we meet a young child grappling with the profound sorrow of losing a cherished loved one. Clutching onto his superhero cape, he seeks solace from the onslaught of memories and emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. But as we all know, memories don’t play fair. They persist no matter how much you resist. Our young hero tries to block and push them away, but deep down, he knows he can’t run forever.
And then something shifts. He remembers the laughter, smiles, and love surrounding him. Suddenly, that cape becomes more than just a piece of fabric—it becomes his lifeline, his source of strength as he navigates the bittersweet terrain of grief.
Johnson’s distinct lyrical language and Thomas’s signature style transform Cape into a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even superheroes hurt too.
CAPE Makes Me Think About:
Second Line Traditions: In New Orleans, funerals are a bit different. They typically start with the “first line” as mourners make a slow procession through the street to the burial ground as a traditional brass band plays a sad “dirge.” But the “second line” is a community parade! Mourners sing and dance through the street while the band plays upbeat, joyous tunes to celebrate the good memories the deceased left behind.
To Serve the Living-Funeral Directors and the African American Way of Death: Published in 2010 by Harvard Press, Suzanne E. Smith explores the intersectional relationship between black funeral directors and black freedom movements in the United States. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and dignity exemplified in rituals of remembrance, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and honoring diverse cultural perspectives on death and mourning.
My Maternal Grandmother: Jesse Faye Rigsby, was the first funeral I remember attending as a child. She died after a long battle with illness. The church was crowded, people were crying, and I was too young to process the grief fully. A cape probably would have been helpful.
A quote from American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.”
Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage. His debut picture book Elijah’s Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available now. Follow him on all social media @brentomjackson. www.brentomjackson.com
