(In honor of MLK Day) This poem was specifically written to relate to "anyone" who has experienced acts of racism/racial prejudice at some point in their lives. The words are there to inspire you to not allow acts of/or attitudes of racism/racial prejudice, in any form or fashion deter you from achieving your aspirations, dreams or goals. Remember, if one door of opportunity closes, there will always be one, two or more that will open for you.



Dear Racism,

I remember my first encounter with you
when you knocked at the door of my
soul, and I refused to let you in
You continued to make your occasional,
unwanted visits into my life
but each time I turned you away.

You said you’d return to “Destroy me”
and I replied,“ Go ahead and try"
Then I showed you “no fear”
with a smile on my face,
as I informed you of your own disgrace:
"You fume at the mouth, and display
your evil, with a mission to destroy
the hearts and souls of many people

You work tirelessly to conquer and divide,
just to steal one’s dignity, joy, compassion and pride
You’re miserable, angry, mean and jealous,
destructive, poisonous and selfish
You lack self-respect, love and compassion
Isn’t it a shame that you hate with such
passion?"

You looked at me, surprised...yet stunned
and called me the worst names under the sun
I smiled in victory as you stormed away,
because you realized you could never destroy
my soul with your hate.

Years have gone by, and we’ve encountered
each other on occasion, and I’ve watched
in disgust as you continued to spew your
malice and evil persuasion
I remember the day you said you’d "destroy me,"
and your look of surprise, when I dared you to "try" me

You're a lonely coward,
sad but true,
But maybe one day,
love will "conquer" you.

Signed,

Never will be yours.."Me"


closing edit
Copyright 2009 - CH (2elijah)
[Edited 1/19/09 19:35pm]
[Edited 1/29/09 16:28pm]

Beautiful, 2elijah...

Be Strong,
Be Courageous,
Be Diligent,
Be Compassionate,
Be all you dream to be, and you'll be Victorious in your pursuits.

The only enemies that exist, are those who want us to fail.


May you always pursue your truth so that failure is never an option.

noimageatall said:

Thank you so much for those beautiful words and you know they are most appreciated!
.

2elijah said:

I really like this...the idea of it as a something...very good work, publish it!

Slave2daGroove said:

Thank you, appreciate it.

I have been working on a book of poetry and plan to publish it this year. I have a lot of it copyrighted already and received my copyright certificate in August, but while I was waiting for the copyright certificate, I was writing others. I already published a lot of it on an online poetry site, so thanks for the compliment.
[Edited 1/22/09 19:06pm]

Wonderful poem. I think this should have been read at some point during the inauguration!

JDODSONandFlashpointe said:

Thanks JDod, appreciate it..

You know. When I wrote this poem, I was thinking about the past, growing up around the late years, not too long after MLK's, JFK's and RFK's deaths. The sadness I saw on television with all the news about the marches, protests, abuse, etc. and trying to understand, why people hated others so much because of their race;all this experienced through the eyes of a child at the time, watching and hearing all that.

As I got older, I actually understood what was going on. I knew there was racial hatred in the world, and what I experienced with racial hatred, with my younger brother being a victim of it, and other family members, when I was younger. Not to mention all the ugly and false things I kept hearing like "whites are smarter than blacks" or "blacks are an inferior race" or not "human", including the many derogatory names blacks were called, and stereotypical, ignorant nonsense.

But through hearing and experiencing all that, I made a promise to myself that I would never believe those ugly things, and that I would challenge racist attitudes, and never allow it to prevent me from achieving my goals. I also made sure I would inspire others to do the same as well. But over time, some progress has been made in this country with racial prejudice through the strength and voices of those during the civil rights era and post-civil rights era, and although racist attitudes still exists today, one must never allow it to get in the way of their aspirations, dreams or goals.

Thanks again for the compliment. Most appreciated.
[Edited 1/29/09 16:25pm]

2elijah said:

WOW!
Stunning, beautiful!
I love it.

dseann said:

Thank you, appreciate it.

I have to say its only because of the org i even know there is a MLK day,


this is a beef i have with uk history is that we are not taught modern history.

syble said:

Modern history or not, MLK Day is not European History.
I'm sure you would find out about the holiday if you took up a course in American History though.

Wow that was GREAT. I really liked that man. "To a world sick with racism get well soon!" - Janet

Mysterioso said:

Mysterioso said:

Take your hate elswhere or don't comment at all.

paisleypark4 said:

Thanks. It needed to be said.

--
[Edited 1/29/09 16:26pm]

Great writing.

glt said:

Thank you. Very appreciated.

2elijah said:

I suppose I apologize for that remark. Good job.

Mysterioso said:

Thank you, apology accepted.
[Edited 1/31/09 15:25pm]

2elijah said:

LOL! What did you have to edit? And, I was just a bitter person, that day. Of course, given the delivery of the infantile content that existed in my post, there was a lack of any sincerity or even a vouch for substance. So, understand that I mean what I say in this post 100%. Once again, I apologize sir/ma'am.

Mysterioso said:

It doesn't matter what was edited, besides I already responded to you, and accepted your apology, so I guess we can just move on now.

2elijah said:

I guess so. You seem rather scornful in tone. But, whatever. I couldn't have expected an amicable departure in this situation. So, this will suffice, then. Ciao!

A race has a beginning and an end. So "race"-ism will surely end. Black means original,it has no beginning or end. It's not a color,it's the essence by which all color derives.That's why this is such a wonderful site. Because the only color that's relevant here is PURPLE which is a color of royalty.And Prince is the common denominator that we all share.Great piece,2Elijah,increase the PEACE!

bridge said:

Thank you. Appreciate your words.

dseann said:

In a world so small why should we not know about MLK day? in Europe - seems poor to me!

Nice poem 2elijah.
As pointed out above,
I like the approach you've taken with this piece.

tony23k said:

Thank you Tony. As usual, your comments are appreciated.

2elijah said:

It's great to see you have it copyrighted also.
And, congratulations on recieving your certificate.