On Instagram, I put up a few poems that covered
the slayings of black men by police, colorism, eating disorders, etc.
topics that shouldn’t be ignored, but many usually shy away from.
I did receive some very deep insight and support, but the overall response
was very different: angry messages saying it wasn’t my place to speak on these things, getting blocked; some said writing about the aforementioned topics won’t change anything, so I shouldn’t even bother.
I feel that’s part of what’s wrong with the world – what usually needs to be
addressed, most would rather keep quiet about.
This untitled poem was inspired by the slaying of Antonio Martin
on Christmas eve:
It’s open season for niggas
praying that multiples of all four seasons
are in the cards for my niggas
still here to say that could’ve been me
as we observe my people getting
killed and put into mini vans
while those who are supposed to serve and protect
get their stories straight
the KKK finally removed the hooded robes
and the secret society is in plain view
and now they laugh in the face of protesters
and mothers who had to cry on the sidelines
while their kids take bloodbaths in the street
whoever said ignorance is bliss
was apart of the problem
because to be black is to be
in a constant state of rage
like lookin’ in the face of the devil
but your gun is never loaded
and your fists never seem to do the job
just put more stress on your arms
when every nigga already carry
a chunk of the world on his back
nobody bothers to step inside our minds
just assume each and every black man
is a gangsta or every black girl
is the personification of a bad attitude
because we are our bodies
the only race of people who according to
America don’t have a soul
we’re just the definition of black
in webster’s dictionary
that’s why it’s hard to celebrate how far
we’ve come when our footprints
remain in the dark
© Anthony Desmond Scott. All Rights Reserved.
This poem was written last year; I originally kept it to myself, hoping
that as time went on, this would no longer be relevant (wishful thinking).
That also sparked a conversation with a with a fellow poet
who was always pressured to stay away from about anything
uneasy or risqué, but recently freed himself of those ways.
As poets, we believe in the power
of words, correct? Can we not
open eyes and maybe enlighten
a few minds?
I think every feeling and every topic—even the ones that may make
some uncomfortable—needs a place of expression.
With that being said, should poetry dive into
harsh realities or predominantly be an escape from them?
dVerse 
Pub’s open… lil last minute something came up, so I will be back in about a half an hour.
I’m sorry you were blocked and/or censured. You must do what you feel is in your heart to write. Certainly the murder of a child playing in the park is enough to drive any person with a heart into rage, regardless of the race of the child. The murder of an innocent is dastardly.
Amen!
as an observer, the hip hop culture is so self destructive. I don’t know how to fix it, but it seems to direct the spiral down.
As a poet, I think you’re write to write about these things – and the people who block you are likely afraid – for poets can foment revolution.
Maybe telling it in a way so you tell it without antagonize people… A while ago I wrote this poem about the refuges drowning in the Mediterranean
The color of water
I dreamed about water; my stomach was a dead horse, my breath a heavy cart. I dreamed of water free of salt. I dreamed of springs. I dreamed.
Then I woke.
Bodies moving all around, reeking fright. The gentle rocking of the sea had ceased. Leeward leaning; Silence. The coughing of the engines dead.
We moved as one; towards the padlocked door: Screaming, breaking fingernails.
Water to our ankles,
Water to our waists,
Water filling all the voids, our mouths.
They say color of the sea is blue, for me it’s black.
I am the water. I am the waves.
—
I got the feedback that it told exactly of the horror that didn’t antagonize… just showed the victims as humans.. which maybe evoke a sense of compassion and willingness to do things to change matters… I don’t know, some people are not willing to change.
good job Bjorn – in many cases, people swat at the gadfly
Yes, a beautiful poem. But there is a small difference in a country like the USA where half the population doesn’t even see how they have stacked the deck against the other half. Puncturing holes in that illusion is bound to angry a few, even many! And the silencing of that subjugated half just isn’t ok. For me the bottom of the deep see is also black and red–much because of the middle passage taking humans into death traps. Just saying that makes many angry.
Excellent poem, Bjorn, and just the kind of thing that needs to be highlighted. I think journalists and reports also perform a job, but through poetry we can really connect directly with people’s humanity and emotions.
I read once that in theory of persuasion we need:
1. Theory
2. Statistics to prove the theory
3. The narrative that evokes emotion.
Sometimes I think we are trying to do it with just one or two of these… so maybe inspiration should come from reading statistics to write our poetry.
Mind you, I know some people who only need 1 and 2…
And many who think that 3 is more important than 1 and 2.
That’s what the tabloid press is predicated upon, isn’t it?
Alas yes.
Bjorn. I love this. That’s why poets are good at capturing social issues. We do focus on the heart of the matter and sometimes how we say things can be said poetically from a softer standpoint to drive home a point and others we can choose to be more stern, but it’s still poetry and there is always truth in it that others should be able to digest differently than a news piece.
An excellent poem but I don’t think there is a right or wrong way for anything – just individual and unique ways of expressing ourselves creatively.
There’s good and bad when it comes to hip hop culture. But I disagree with you saying it’s directing the downward spiral. Ignorance from other races is directing the spiral down for black people. We never really had respect in the 1st place… What’s not helping, is us obeying stereotypes. There’s a war on colorism inside the black community that further conditions us with hatred for ourselves.
Yes, in my years as an inner-city girls basketball coach – there was just so much self destructive behavior.
Anthony, as an outsider looking in but one who has spent a lot of time in the US over the past thirty years with family there as well as friends, and having travelled with a Martiniquan friend in northern US about twentyfive years ago and been shocked at the way he was treated – subtle discrimination like being ignored in queues and not so -subtle discrimination like booking a table in a restaurant and being told on arrival they were full, and this was New Jersey – I was and remain curious as to why racist attitudes have been retained in the US.
I mean, yes, it was only the late Seventies when the ‘last’ of the obvious ‘worst’ was stopped but why have Americans in general not been able to heal this rift? Having lived in the UK and Europe and seen more harmonious relations between black and white, although there is racism everywhere to lesser and greater degrees, I remain curious as to why it is still so high in the US.
If any reminder were needed of the undercurrent, perhaps a minority, but a large minority, perhaps not such a minority, we need only look at the way so many talk about President Obama.
Is it because in the other nations they did not have home-ground slavery or is there something else at work, perhaps the fundamentalist Christian beliefs?
I am sure the reactions you received to your poem are sourced in deep unresolved issues.
What are your thoughts?
There are layers to hip hop. It is a business and just like with sports or reality TV or any other entertainment entity negativity drives sales. There are a lot of hip hop artists that are positive though so I don’t think it’s inherently negative.
Hip hop was a movement that has been co-opted–true–but it is also not all finished–it is a great means of expression and beautiful in ways I can’t begin to say. I hate how much of it puts women down, for example, with the “B” word, etc–but it also POPS when anger needs expression and it’s clever and smart at times and its possibilities have not been used up. I’m glad my students introduced it to me and made me feel–at least once–its rhythm and learn to respect it.
Very good points Susan! Rappers are poets just like rock artists are. Art isn’t always pretty. I just don’t like when people single out hip hop for having negative influences when entertainment as a whole can be dissected and examined and will lay bare the same.
I find this subject extremely important, and yes I often put things that upset me in poetry.. Sometimes I wonder how you say it not just for saying it, but to really make change…. Interestingly when I have written about things like abuse of women, I get the feedback that it’s so rare that men speak out against those matters.. But I really want to make changes with my writing.
I think people in general try to turn their heads to what’s going on… in my opinion, that’s selfish behavior. Some should be glad that all they have to do is turn the other cheek, while we have to live with it. Mother’s fearing for their young black men every time we step out the door, Black men afraid of being judged for things that are out of their character… it’s not easy. And times seem to be going backwards. But to those who are aware of the things that go on and speak up on them, I thank you.
“Black Lives Matter” is a powerful movement that has to stay alive!
I’ve lived under a dictatorship and I can tell you words do matter. The poets who seemed to have a hidden message (sometimes not very deeply hidden at all) against totalitarianism and about having personal freedom and choices were hugely popular. They gave us all hope at a time when we’d almost lost hope in the future…
And poets and musicians have always been part and parcel of revolutionary movements (think national anthems, almost all the European ones are linked to indpedence movements or revolutions from the 19th century).
I like those (barely) hidden messages.. I think it’s been part of political poetry a long time. Maybe the best poetry is written in oppression… hmm
Indeed, I love those with a message that’s clear, barely hidden.
I love artists who take a stand. You can still create great art and express your thoughts on an issue. It often as you said brings comfort to others to know they are not alone.
A writer is a writer. Choosing poetry or novels or news matters not. There is a romanticism among many who still love poetry that makes the harsh impalpable to them — however, it is this romanticism which make poetry the least desirable writing style among the general population.
Write what you want — the public will decide.
Overthrow romanticism!
You are probably right.. maybe though we live in too much comfort to appreciate dreams and romanticism.. 🙂
The vast majority of humanity does not live in “too much comfort”…
For whom do we write?
Good question.. We write for those that reads… which is largely those that share our views I guess.
For whom do we write is the most important question. When we write for ourselves there is no point in hiding. When we write for ourselves others can potentially discover something new. It is a gift, even if we only give it to each other as poets, but I hope it goes further than that.
I love what you’ve said. Indeed, harsh poetry seems to be the way to lose readers judging from my most recent experience… but, at the end of the day, I write for me… compliments and negativity are taken with a gain of salt.
And that is as it should be. ironically, I am getting ready to leave to go be with a friend, take food, etc. whose beautiful promising 16 year was killed Saturday in a drive by gang shooting. Of course there are no witnesses…I’ve known that young man since he was two. And now, the people of his own community will not do the right thing and say who murdered him. thank God his mother has a good church family supporting her and friends who love and respect her and her family. So I am angry about that but it is an all too frequent event in this city where I live. Until we all change our hearts and our priorities, innocents of any age or race are doomed to this sort of fate. I’m off to let his mother weep on my shoulder and pray with those who are keeping a prayer vigil for their neighborhood.
My goodness… I swear there is already enough going on in this world, but when it comes from gangs and our own community – how can we make a change??? I’m so sorry and angry to hear another innocent life was taken. No parent should have to bury their child…
Good decent people, hard working, excellent supportive and loving parents….and thugs who could care less, trying to live large and pump their macho egos and quarrel over turf, drugs, women….the only thing important is their lives and how they push people with guns and violence. It is all too common and this city, happens weekly and most of the time, never solved. Waste. sinful evil waste.
I too feel your pain. I know darkness is supposed to help us grow but I want to know what God is thinking, more and more I have as many questions as prayers.
Anthony, there was a FB post the other day along the lines of, speaking out may lose you many friends but will ensure you have the right ones.
I would add, speaking out as a poet may lose you many readers but ensure you have the right ones.
Your voice is what you wish to be heard and it is up to you and you alone to decide what that voice is and what that voice says.
I absolutely think poetry is about writing about all things; even subjects that some may be uncomfortable with. I think it’s about the writer, not just the reader. Poetry is a healing art form. If your not being authentic about the pain, anger or whatever injustice, it’s not going to resonate with the reader or feel right for the poet. Your poem was very powerful and I can tell it was your way of healing and sharing your point of view. Keep on writing your truth! It was ‘painfully beautiful’.
I like that: painfully beautiful. Both edges are sharp.
I agree that as poets we have a duty to write about more serious issues because having the sensitive souls that we do we are able to touch people in a way that a news article may not. Topics like racism, sexism, anarchy, police brutality and the like are painful. People shy away because it often hurts to discuss them. Opening up may even cause some to feel angry or defensive or vulnerable. Some may hold bias themselves and who wants to hold that mirror up?
I wrote a poem last week to honor the nine people who were killed in Charleston and I noticed that it didn’t get the same play as a lot of my other work. I can see on the back end that people clicked and read it, but I didn’t get any feedback.
Anthony your poem inspired by the death of Antonio Martin is raw and searing but it needed to be created. You nor any other poet should feel like they can’t write about social issues. Especially ones that are touching the community you identify with.
I think poetry can help us relate to one another better and heal if we put it out there and if people are open enough to read it, share it and discuss it like another other creative work. Thanks so much for providing a format to discuss this as it’s been a topic at the top of my mind lately. Keep sharing your work and I will keep reading it. Bless you!
If anyone would like to read my poem I spoke of earlier, called Prayer Breakfast, here is the link: http://tamekamullins.com/2015/06/prayer-breakfast-a-poem-to-honor-the-charleston-9/
I think this is typical.. and whenever I write a political poem that touch a nerve I notice mostly the silence… 🙂
I hate that silence. It’s cowardly. Singers and artists from the 60’s wrote and sang about social ills and it helped us to evolve. We have to stay open channels and keep writing and singing and painting about the conditions around us.
Yes! The lack of feedback is so evident when writing about such topics… Mainstream news is bullshit; always trying to victimize the shooters/murderers of black people. This world is only going to get worse if we remain blind… writing about a fantasy land of love don’t do shit, if you’re the type of people who ignores the hell that’s spread across this world
So true! Keep writing! Be raw and real. It will touch someone.
I just went there and couldn’t comment because I am not part of wordpress. here is my comment: Thank you for bringing me here, I gasped at the devil there although I knew it would happen. Such a powerful writing, spare and every word essential. I see I can share it on Facebook, and so I will. Thank you.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing it Susan. I forgot we have an open link night. I will post it again.
I recently had this conversation with another poet when talking about why we write poetry. Any artistic expression can become a sentiment and representation of the times it is created it, poetry is no different. I write poetry about my experiences and tend not to address more serious and (honestly) important issues because writing is my way to escape into sentimentality, positive memories and images that make me smile when I read them. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate, encourage, and applaud poetry that tackles controversial and incredibly important topics.
Is it our job as artists to address these things? Our responsibility? Maybe. And I acknowledge that if so, then I am not necessarily doing my job. Fulfilling my responsibility. And I rely on the words of stronger individuals than I to smack these issues in the face and expose them like raw nerves. I like to think though that I am fulfilling some part of our literary calling by offering poems on love, and family and the natural world around us. Important factors to remember when we search for motivation to get up in the morning and face an increasingly violent and disappointing reality. Poetry, like most things, should exist within both sides of diving “into harsh realities” and offering “an escape from them”. Not a denial, or an ignorance, but something to breath in and smile about, while we ponder how we keep on struggling. At least I think so.
I think one way of doing our “duty” is to take a show not tell approach.. I think every narrative can have a political edge if you wan’t to interpret it like that.. For me about 50% of all I write has a political edge.. Just maybe my own boring life is not sufficient to write about..
And my peaceful writings are part of a long spiritual journey towards inner peace in my own boring life. Smiles wryly.
Bravo to you. You are definitely doing your part, because you also support those who write about harsh realities. Hell, this world needs love, and we all need time away from the hatred that’s spewed constantly – I’m not denying that. It’s the one’s who choose to ignore what’s going on completely that I have a problem with.
If all poets only wrote about the harsh realities of life, then there would be no hope. Without hope, all is lost. Keep writing what you are called to write. Peace, Linda
Hope grows when we write about the harsh realities–but it isn’t a hope based on what “might” be happening or what has been “promised.” It is a hope that is active, that brings us into community where we have more power to achieve. I believe this. I have been placated by false hope. Now I want the real thing.
I wasn’t suggesting that the harsh realities shouldn’t be written about, only that a poet shouldn’t feel they have shirked their duty because that is not the path they have chosen. False hope is certainly of little use, but sometimes looking at the good in life provides real hope that there can be more of it. Peace, Linda
poetry should exclude no subject which can be described by words,
so let us take offence only in the proscription in a blank page
I feel it is up to the individual to determine about the subject on which they will write. I do not write about politics and religion nor do i discuss those subjects. I also feel how one writes about things will detrrmine how writings are accepted, or not. Minorities of all kinds are trashed, belittled, killed. I treat everyone with respect and expect the same. It is the way I was raised and how I choose to live.
Actually to me this in itself is a political statement *smiles*
Yes, it is my walk softly brand of politics. 🙂
We each has to select our own…
yes, like Bjorn said, that’s your statement! 🙂 Peace and respect. I’m all for that. Nonetheless, I’m one to get my hands dirty.
Me too Anthony. I sense push back and defensiveness in discussions like these, not this one in general, but I always wonder why people push back against those of us who want to shine the light on injustice. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? We surely can and should have political and whimsical creative expression. There are ways to do both in your own voice.
I feel that this is our responsibilty if we choose it as such but it is not up to anyone else to make that determination for me. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, I wrote my share of angry rantings against sexism and friends dropping dead of AIDS and the attitude about that. Now, I could write about ageism. But again, I write about what satisfies my soul. And again, that is up to the person to determine for themselves without judgement.
I think so to.. and as we tend not to get read so much anyway, we should write about what makes us feel good.. to rant against injustices makes me feel a little better.
I honor this. There’s a point to let the younger take over and feed them, feed them. They are amazing!
I think poetry should not be limited to an escape and it should interact with the world around us – that includes all levels from political to social, to whatever. I think it reflects a point of view in a particular moment and can capture the feel of a movement.
Now, I dont think that words are enough to effect change. I can write whatever I want but if my actions dont support it – i am only eroding my own position. It begins to lack validity and reliability and – i lose my voice and stance. My credibility.
I think another aspect too – if you are going to write to politics make sure you understand them at least – i have read some way off base rants that had their facts all wrong (Probably because they watch Fox News – ahem) be sure fact and opinion, and even perspective are different things. Something even most of our news media have forgotten.
Agreed, X. There should be a balance of both, not limited to one or the other.
And words alone – no; action is needed to back the voice.
We call that, “fake deep” – those who speak on subjects they obviously know nothing about to seem conscious and aware. Not hard to spot. hahah
No it is not.
I love this key word, action. I find that people are most passionate about things and issues that directly touch them and it shouldn’t be that way all of the time. A human issue is a human issue period. Any person or groups that are getting mistreated should touch us all.
Should – that is def a key word there. I think our distance from some issues, because it is not in our backyard – keeps us from doing things about it. Until it gets there.
I agree.
No shoulds, just write from your heart and soul.
I think art and poetry can both be powerful catalysts for change, for seeking and promoting social justice. But the poetry has to be honest to the poet. I could not write the poem you’ve written because I don’t have the same frame of reference and it would not be genuine. But just this morning on my way to work I was pondering writing more poetry in defense of the unborn and against the tragedy of abortion. Another taboo subject and position that many don’t want to hear. Interestingly, the one poem I’ve written on the subject was somewhat vague and some took it to be a reference to miscarriage rather than abortion. Boldness on taboo subjects can result in some readers not reading any more, or even outright criticizing the poet, but I don’t believe that should stop us from writing.
Here’s the one poem I did write on abortion — You’ve encouraged me to make sure it’s not the last:
Unheard (a sedoka)
The deafening sound
of a cry unheard, silenced
‘ere it had a chance at life
Echoes whispering
in a mother’s heart and soul
aching to hear what’s unheard
Keep up the good work, Anthony, and thanks for bringing such an important topic up for discussion.
Peace, Linda
Thank you. And Indeed, that is a very touchy subject… I’m on the fence about abortion to be honest. If a girl was say, raped and didn’t want the baby, I would be okay with that. BUT, if a girl is just fast, doesn’t use protection and uses abortions as birth control, then I find that disgusting.
Then I guess you’d be okay with the abortion I had when I was 17. But I’m not. It haunts me every day. One of my biggest problem with abortion is that no one tells you that as a mother, you know deep in your heart what you’ve done. Regardless of who the father is, that’s your child. Killing him or her will cause depression and heartache, often leads to thoughts of suicide. It’s truly not the easier route emotionally. Which is, I suppose, why I should be writing about it more in my poetry.
Regardless of how the child came about, I understand that is no easy decision… It would bring a bit of peace to you to write about more I believe. Deal with it the best way you can, Linda… Everything happens for a reason.
Admiring the honesty in your writing here, Linda. Not easy.
Thanks. It’s taken 44 years to get to this point, so it’s long overdue.
I am glad you got there.
And because I know you are spiritual,
Romans 8: 1-2
Good verse — Thanks.
I suspect at 17 you felt strong pressure from family and society, consciously or unconsciously and that must have been and remain so hard.
My view of abortion is that in the best of worlds we would not have it but we do not live in the best of worlds. In the best of worlds every child would be born to loving, functional parents and that just does not happen. So we have to come up with ways to work with a world which is not the best of worlds.
I know women who have had abortions, admittedly in their early twenties, so older than you, who are more than comfortable with their actions. Then again, they have had other children later. The ones who seem most challenged are those who were forced to have an abortion and those who never had children.
Given the terrible suffering and death inflicted on so many women before abortion was legalised, and still is in nations where it is not legal, the simple reality is that we cannot go back to a time where abortion is not allowed.
A woman must have the right to decide what happens to her body.
What we need to do is ensure no woman ever has abortion forced on her and all women who have abortions recognise that they are sacrificing a life and it is not a simple procedure of convenience. Honouring the loss of the child, as I am sure you do in your poetry, is important for psychological and physical health.
Japan has had one of the highest rates of abortion because the Pill was illegal until recent years but the society also has traditional rites which women carry out to honour the life of the sacrificed child.
Thanks for your thoughts. I do have a child — he’s 20 now — and I have had a miscarriage. That doesn’t make the choice I made any easier to accept as having been right in any sense of the word. As for the women you know who are okay with their choice, just because it appears that way on the outside doesn’t mean that deep down they don’t feel some guilt and shame, always wondering “what if.”
Our culture does not recognize, as you suggest, that aborting a child is the same as sacrificing that child. We would be appalled at sacrificing a child after it is born, but for some reason feel it is a valid choice beforehand. We sacrifice not to some god we claim to follow, as some ancient cultures did, but to self and convenience, to the god of “I’m not ready for a child right now.”
I agree we don’t live in an ideal world, but fostering a culture where any life is seen as less important than another seems not a tenable solution to me. All life is sacred; all humans created in the image of God.
As I type this, I realize why I’ve not written about this more. It’s so emotional for me, very personal, and it’s exhausting to even think about the enormity of the problem of the devaluing of life in our society. I would love to solve the problem on a grand scale, but all I can do is love. Peace, Linda
Keep writing, as a wise psychologist said in a book I read many years ago, it takes more energy to not feel than it does to feel and expressing that pain is exhausting but healing.
I am sure your poetry will be a vehicle of expression, release and healing.
Disgusting is a judgemental word. You need to assess each individual and their circumstances to know why they do what they do.
Thanks for being so honest about your thoughts on this topic and for your poignant poem Linda.
i write in forms of affirmation supporting myself as change i will as I.. i learn long ago.. that the only solid support where i live will be me… all the time now..:)
It’s not easy living in the most conservative hometown of them all..
but on the other hand it is safe and the environment is beautiful…
The best thing of all is I can speak my opinions fully on the
Internet without fear for my actual life.. as God knows people
certainly give their lives for the right to speak their freedoms
both for other people and with their own life at risk just to
fully express one’s heart in ways of spirit filled soul…
But anyway.. i pull few punches in what i do..
both online and off.. and i sleep very
soundly at night.. when i feel
the need to sleep..
in fact..
i wake even
more soundly Alive..
and most importantly FREE..:)
I’m sure it isn’t… conservatives usually have hateful views that they justify by using God.
Ha.
I got called before the elder board at my church over a piece I wrote once.
I will say that at least they sought understanding, but I was not sure at first – on the other hand, at least they were reading (policing?).
Lol.
I think what I would find amusing if it were not so destructive is that those who speak loudest of God seem to be the least as any God would have us be – compassionate, loving, kind, generous hearted, understanding, forgiving, tolerant etc. etc.
Even worse when people cite Jesus and react with intolerance, anger and devoid of compassion. Clearly many do not understand the words hypocrisy or irony.
Too much of religion is sourced in fear, rage, intolerance and rules. Which is why I gave up religion long ago and stick with God.
Oh, I agree with you ros. I have had that discussion as well with several poets here. Got nothing to add to it – just agree, and it is a bit heartbreaking to see.
I just feel sorry that so many live in so much fear. It makes one wonder how solid their beliefs or faith are if they can be so easily challenged by the words or thoughts of others.
On a positive note, there is less of it than there was in centuries past.
That’s the God I do not know Desmond.. however.. as science shows people innately are born more open minded to new experiences and different in general.. and others are born naturally more cautious and close minded to new experiences as well as different.. and in all the animal kingdom about 20% of all animals have inclinations as sitters vs. rovers.. as extremely cautious or in human terms extremely introverted… as sitters vs more extraverted Rovers.. and yes.. in some cases.. ‘Super Rovers’ like me.. haha!..;)
This innate difference flavors all of life in the same Yin and Yang forces of Nature one sees inside us.. outside us.. above.. so below and all around.. however the key for me is both balance and understanding for a peaceful way of being.. and truly on either end of that spectrum.. it is a matter of ‘them’ truly not knowing what ‘they’ do.. in perceived offense.. as it does not reflect the Universe ‘they’ or ‘them’ perceive as living in…
So anyway we live in a global world of Yin and Yang.. the west typically more Yang and the East typically more Yin.. and the force of nature that is humans is always working for balance.. wittingly or not.. in all the flavors of blood.. downs and ups.. in pleasure that comes in.. red.. blue.. and black.. and in some cases dark purple that flows into the night of infinity always knowing FEELING now.. as all there is now.. the
bottom line
is
a
practice of
journey..
and never
goal
or
end..
alone..
so the games
go on.. the faces..
the players.. are different..
but the life that is real remains
real.. at least for now.. for those who find it…
‘US’ is always the journey.. and yes.. attainable.. IN FREE..:)
I agree. I usually say that we need more tolerance. Tolerance is highly correlated with balance and understanding.
And now, I am about to make my political statement by leaving the pub to go take food and comfort to a friend whose son was murdered in a driveby gang shooting Saturday, standing in his own yard. And of course, no one saw anything or will say anything, which is all too common in this town in some communities. A promising beautiful young man of 16, quiet, kind, respectful. And no one in his own community cares except for his friends, church family, and people like me who have been friends since he was born. So anger? Yes. Disgust? much. but that will be put aside to sit with my friend and participate in the prayer vigil for the young man and his family and the neighborhood. I’ll live my statements rather than writing about them. It seems to be the best way I can do some good. Peace….
Peace to you and that mother…
This is indeed not as it should be. I hope his friends change their minds and come forward. The world needs more people like you, who can cross the barriers of races (or classes) and support those who need it the most.
I hope so too but too often, these situations do not get solved or resolved. Every week this happens here. good people trying to live good lives shattered by thugs who do not care.
We worked together for 14 years. I watched her yiungest grow to the sweet 16 year old and her eldest graduate from university. It is hard to see good people so hurt and broken. They have deep faith and a great support system but it to lose a child is unbearable and under such circumstances is beyond any understanding.
Toni, what a tragedy to read about the loss of yet another young life; no parents should have to bury their children….but yet so many recently have; and yes, it is sad that no one will step forward and say just who did the shooting. I am sure that the mother will be glad for your support on this heart-wrenching day.
The loss of a child is something few parents recover from, especially when it is something as stupid and violent as this. And the cowards who will not speak and the killers who do not care, who only care about turf and their macho egos….it is horrible.
This is heart breaking to read Toni ~
Yes. This type of crime is too frquent.
I’m sorry your friend lost her son. Peace and prayers to her in the coming days of healing. This is the very reason some of us need to write about these things. People need to look at what they are doing to themselves and other people they harm. We all must do what we can though. Bless you for comforting your friend and for being a part of the solution in your own way.
Unfortunately those that need to read the truth will not. My friend goes to a multi-racial/cultural church that is supportive. She and her friends have done all the right things in their lives and now, people who have done the wrong things have changed their lives forever and sadly, only care about themselves and not how they have caused irreparable damage. The death of a child is hard and many never recover from it.
Sad, and all too easy without gun regulation.
The problem lies in people, not in gun regulation. If there were no guns, people so inclined would find other ways. Until people change their attitudes, priorities, and hearts, innocents will die.
In countries where there are no guns, people do not kill each other with knives. In Marseilles, which by European standards is very violent, there is one death with guns a month. In cities like Chicago, it is one a day.
I’m glad you live in such an ideal place. In spite of what people like to perceive about America, it is my home and I would not live elsewhere.
I understand, Toni. There are many things to love about the US. I was just responding to your remark about the gun culture.
It hits hard because ofvthe death of my friend’s son. This idioic killing makes me angry and frustrated. And in the past, I have been bashed for being American and how evil we are. I never make remarks about other countries because of the love people have for their home. I will however make remarks about how bad Virginia barbecue is…smiles. sitting in a home until late with people heartbroken and angry, trying to help in a way that really makes no difference, makes me tired and cranky and fractious. No harm meant. You just have to be in the situation to comprehend. Im posting my poem and then taking a nap but will return to read and comment on poems.
I would feel very frustrated too. Enjoy your nap!
I will attest to how bad VA barbecue is as well.
Ha.
Nap well Toni.
Thanks!
kanzensakura, it is not about the US being ‘bad’ in regard to guns, it is about the US getting it wrong on guns and mostly because it is wrong for Americans and the society.
I fully support others pointing out where my country, Australia gets things wrong and the handling of refugees at present is an example. We are in this world together and with the internet we share and learn more about each other than ever before.
I have a personal interest in the gun issue because I have family in the US and wish they did not have to grow up in such a gun culture.
There is much of value in the US, just as there is in every nation, but sometimes people get things wrong and as Anthony has said in the focus of this post, sometimes we need to speak out even if others do not like what is said.
When people put a focus on where they think we are going wrong, whether individual or nation, to my mind it is generally well-meant and they are doing it because they care.
The facts don’t support that. I know a lot of Americans want to believe guns don’t kill but the evidence is that they do. People do not find other ways to kill.
A gun culture just makes death and murder more likely.
Annual murder rates in the US with guns are around 10,000 compared to 8 in the UK with strict gun regulation. Even if you factor in population, that would still only take the US to around 45 deaths a year.
On top of that 10,000 in the US, are more than 20,000 additional gun deaths, annually, a quarter of them children, most, one presumes accidents or suicide although clearly children are not likely to be committing suicide, particularly toddlers.
But suicide rates are high and supposedly 3 in 5 of US gun deaths are suicide. Where countries enforce strict gun regulation suicide rates also drop.
Knife murder rates in the US are two to three times higher than the UK.
Mostly I just think it is deeply sad that children in a developed nation should have to grow up in such a culture of fear and violence.
Again, I am glad you live in an ideal country I will not debate this with someone who doesn’t live in this country. We will disagree on this and that is fine.
There are no ideal countries but some are certainly better than others. And I have people I care about who do live in your country and that I why I take an interest. Agreeing to disagree is always fine.
Hi Anthony–I’m distressed and sorry to hear you’ve received such negative response, including blocking, to your posts. There are hot topics that may be uncomfortable for readers, but we can’t hide our heads in the sand, hoping they’ll magically go away. Seems “freedom of speech” only applies to some…and that’s another hot topic, I guess. Best regards to you always, Dell
It is not unheard of. I was “black listed” on the servers of a local conservative college at one point, because of some of the stances I have taken over the years. ‘We’ cringe at things that challenge our world view – are different. People make judgement calls on other people every day. Whether it is their message or who they are as a person.
You learn to live with the ignorance at times.
I realize it’s not unheard of, that it goes on–and it grieves my heart. And sometimes I’m better at living with ignorance than others. It saps my energy to be angry all the time…
X. I’m also sorry to hear of your experiences. None of us should have to just live with the ignorance though. Not right, not fair.
It’s shame, really… those who rather hide than be aware are just as much of a problem…
Yes Sir, indeed.
Anthony–I had some tech issues, posting my comment. My apologies, and please delete as necessary. Thanks.
I rarely write about social issues when I write poetry and when I do I write about how they make me feel, my questions and concerns. Having said that, I believe anyone can write about all topics.
Excellent discussion, Anthony. I have been writing more political pieces lately, also. Mine have been kind of fueled by my rage and, I think an attempt to explore that. I am also realizing how easy it is appropriate what isn’t mine and use it in my work. Writing more political/social justice pieces is really forcing me to confront my various privileges in a way that I hadn’t realized that I hadn’t.
~heidi
Indeed… it’s good to explore. It’s good to be aware of your privilege, as well… some deny it, but that just makes things worse. You can be well aware of your privilege and be a part of the journey to better days
I am sorry to read about your experiences Anthony ~ I believe in the freedom of the poet to write what he wants, and being responsible enough to frame in a way that expresses his own views, while respecting the opinions of others towards those views. For myself, I don’t write on politics or religious issues unless I feel very strongly about it or have a personal experience about it. I have lived under a dictatorship before so I know the value of expression and freedom. Words can have a impact on others,and coupled with action, can and might even bring about change. Thanks for the thoughtful post ~
It’s okay.. I’m aware some people just don’t want to know the truth.
It is not simply about not wanting to know the truth, it is about seeking to censor and silence and to do so through fear and cruelty. That is the real problem. We can all deny as much truth as we want but that should only ever be a personal decision and action.
I am sorry about your experience, Anthony. I think poets can write about anything they want to. I have not been one to write on controversial subjects; but if others are motivated to do so, it is a good thing.
Indeed. It’s not for everyone, and I don’t expect everyone to write on these touchy subjects, just don’t run from those who do, ya know?
Definitely don’t intend to, Anthony.
I honestly think it should be a bit of both really
Poets are never going to change the world completely – we can only “write it as it is”, which is what I try to do. There’s a whole raft of things wrong with “society” and we have to nibble away at the edges little by little.
Great images! We can have an effect when we nibbble and even a greater effect when we feed others! the more truth the better. Words can walk where feet cannot. But being on the move matters to me.
Your question: With that being said, should poetry dive into
harsh realities or predominantly be an escape from them?
I would say both, as a matter of choice for the poet and the reader. Poetry is like any form of creative expression and art in that it is up to the artist to decide what he or she wants to say and then it is up to readers to decide what they want to read.
Those who seek to censor or edit artistic expression are denying soul. They have every right to do it for themselves and to make their own choices as to what they will read but they have no right to demand others do as they do.
I believe freedom of speech underpins the foundations of an enlightened society, and yes, while one can see the wisdom in some sort of regulation in regard to ‘hate speech,’ in many ways I think we go too far.
I do not believe any topic should ever be off the table or discussion censored and I believe that when it is, we do not strengthen the foundations of the civilized world, we weaken them. This idea that certain topics can be sealed in a ‘not to be discussed’ box is relatively recent, the Jewish experience of holocaust being one of the first, where people are in some countries legally constrained from questioning anything beyond the official position. That is censorship and that is wrong for, at the end of the day, questioning and discussing reveals truths and censorship allows propaganda to be disseminated.
And I cite that topic simply because it is one of the most heavily censored and one which seems to trigger such rage in so many if questioned. Although increasingly I sense it is no longer quite so alone. Speak out in support of freedom of choice for vaccination and see the irrational rage you are likely to encounter.
One of the world’s greatest and most brilliant cartoonists, Michael Leunig, recently did just that in one of his images and the bile was unbelievable – not only that, he received death threats, locally and internationally, for daring to support those who questioned vaccination. I mean, really?
There are so many controversial issues in this day and age, no doubt because we do have more freedom to talk than people did in the past, or perhaps, as I perceive, more people take up fixed positions on issues and that raises deeper and greater passions.
But who are we and where is our art and our creative soul without passion? The artist has always taken the ugly, violent, censored, hidden, denied, reviled aspects of psyche and society and laid them bare, in fact, thrown them in our faces at times and that is how it should be.
Do not be silenced. Do not go quietly into that world of pretence and denial, in fact do not go at all. There are many who feel as you do – hold to your truth and to truth in general for that is where the greatest capacity for art lies.
You said all that needs to be said. I agree 100%.
Good advice and I admire your honesty in dealing openly with this.
in a perfect world all poets should be able to write about whatever they choose, and all readers should be able to read whatever they choose. And in a perfect world everyone who read our poetry would love it and agree with it. But this isn’t a perfect world. The thing is when we write about controversial issues, our readers have freedom of expression too. I think it’s the nature of the issues that generate heated, emotional responses. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be conroversial issues. The point is you need to keep writing about them anyway – if that’s what’s important to you. And sometimes getting those difficult, angry discussions going is the way change begins. So, I think the negative responses you received mean that you did a good job with your controversial poetry. I personally hate confrontation and conflict, so I rarely write that type of poetry, only when it’s something really important to me. My last one was about gun control (or the lack thereof). So, while I’m sorry you had negative responses, I congratulate you, Anthony.
Yes, eloquently put Othermary.
I agree with that completely Mary. I have often told people that I still get butterflies when I perform, even after years of doing it. The day I do not, I will probably give it up – because I am probably not talking about what I need to talk about. (or being honest with my feelings).
I think those heated discussions are a way forward – and people don’t always understand them – looking in from the outside. At the end of the day, if we can still respect each other as people, regardless our stances – I think that is important.
Seeing the perspective of someone completely different from you is one of the hardest things – but I think it is something we have to strive for.
Thanks X and Rosross. And obviously personal attacks are uncalled for, but I think it usually takes a series of ‘heated discussions’ before most folks can really process things and consider. And as you said, that’s how progress is made.
What are we if we do not speak,
if our voices cannot be heard,
offering as they do our own meagre
truth, and perceptions which can
come from no other and which
are all we have to hand to another;
hoping only that we can be heard,
even if the words are not welcome?
I ask only that you defend my right
to speak, and allow yourself to
listen, if just to acknowledge that,
like you, I am also here, learning.
I think we must write what is in our hearts, speak the words our souls cannot, and trust in the truths we know
Definitely DIVE. There is no democracy unless we make it so by valuing silenced voices–but I do have biases. No hate speech–Power to everyone’s voice who doesn’t use it to put power on another. That power is love. So the use of the “N’ word makes me uncomfortable in your poem, but it isn’t constant, those lines aren’t addressed to me, instead I feel the achy LOVE in lines like these:
“like lookin’ in the face of the devil
but your gun is never loaded
and your fists never seem to do the job
just put more stress on your arms
when every nigga already carry
a chunk of the world on his back”
WOW. I feel that and even more deeply since I listened to Ruby Sales, even deeper since I learn more, even deeper since the terrorist murderer in Charleston took 9 more lives nonchalantly as if he were entitled. So I love your poem and here’s one of mine called
“White Fog”:
Had I not been asleep—pretending sleep
so I wouldn’t be called to task by teach
or God—I might have seen the betrayals
over the years oppressing half of our
population—with concentration camps
alert in case I stepped over the lines
of what I’m told I must accept as free-
dom. Now I am awaking willingly
and feel so dumb thinking who’s white escapes
the limits white supremacy set for
non-white peoples. I said the word three times,
the double u word that keeps me in chains.
I see them now, both outside and inside
of me, wound tight all right. No one’s untied.
Let poems make us happy, uncomfortable, active–but let poems MOVE us.
Thanks for the discussion!
Sorry I missed the discussion!