Twin Memorials Strange Fruit was inspired by the death of Timothy Thomas on April 7, 2001. I lived one block south of the Cincinnati Police District One precinct office and the Memorial to officers who have lost their lives while on active duty since 1846. I visit the Memorial often and remember the Eternal Flame Monument inscription, "It is fitting and proper that we express our gratitude for the dedicated service and courageous deeds of law enforcement officers and for the contributions they have made to the security and well being of all our people." President John F. Kennedy

When an unarmed young man, Tim Thomas lost his life near 13^th and Republic St. at the hands of a Cincinnati Police Officer, I thought of the song Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday, from a poem by Lewis Allan.

Southern trees bear a strange fruit

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root

Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze

Strange fruit hangin from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant south

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth

Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh

Then the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck

For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop

Here is a strange and bitter crop

Perhaps a visit to the twin memorials on Ezzard Charles Drive and 13^th and Republic St. may help to rekindle the words of JFK.

Timothy Thomas Memorial and Cincinnati Police Memorial

J. Michael Skaggs © 2002