I Still Rise
A Tribute to soldiers of color and their struggles at home.59 total reviews
Comment from WalkerMan
Those who have proved their resilience while serving in our military will not be put down by those who negatively stereotype them and/or have no gratitude for what they endured to protect the rest of us. Yes, they will shrug off insults and rise again as strong as or stronger than before. They made a positive difference with their patriotism by voluntarily signing up and serving with valor. Afterwards, as veterans, they remain justly proud of their service. They deserve "Bravo!" even more when rudely harassed.
Superb, and aptly illustrated. Thank you for posting this in their honor.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Those who have proved their resilience while serving in our military will not be put down by those who negatively stereotype them and/or have no gratitude for what they endured to protect the rest of us. Yes, they will shrug off insults and rise again as strong as or stronger than before. They made a positive difference with their patriotism by voluntarily signing up and serving with valor. Afterwards, as veterans, they remain justly proud of their service. They deserve "Bravo!" even more when rudely harassed.
Superb, and aptly illustrated. Thank you for posting this in their honor.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your generous comments. So far I am happy to report that I have not received any blow back as a result of this post. I guess that means that by and large the members of FanStory are sane and rational people.
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You are most welcome, Nolan. Yes, likely because most members here are of strong faith, and few here are foolish enough to irritate potential reviewers of their own posts. Besides, valor is not based on appearance, and always should be respected and honored. -- Mike
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Agreed.
Comment from Celtic Angel
I sensed the influence of Maya Angelou in this work, yet you made this poem your own. I love the voice you've given to soldiers of color in this country. It is a sad, ugly truth that needs awareness. How quickly some forget, neglect, or even abuse fellow citizens to whom we owe our freedom. They fought for the people of this country, yet some fellow countrymen still can't get past differences in skin color. How shameful. Thank you for putting this into perspective and out in the open.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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I sensed the influence of Maya Angelou in this work, yet you made this poem your own. I love the voice you've given to soldiers of color in this country. It is a sad, ugly truth that needs awareness. How quickly some forget, neglect, or even abuse fellow citizens to whom we owe our freedom. They fought for the people of this country, yet some fellow countrymen still can't get past differences in skin color. How shameful. Thank you for putting this into perspective and out in the open.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your awesome comments. I recently read and was blown away by the contributions of the American Indians who confused the enemy soldiers educated in the US. who spoke English very well, but had no clue to the languages used by the Indian Code Talkers. The number of medal of honor winners among the Japanese American soldiers. No, not all of the heroes were WASP soldiers.
Comment from Bill Schott
This poem, I Still Rise, presented with eight rhyming couplets, echoes the sentiments, I'm sure, of all the men and women who have dealt and deal now with slights, and disrespect. Makes me want to say, "Sorry about them."
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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This poem, I Still Rise, presented with eight rhyming couplets, echoes the sentiments, I'm sure, of all the men and women who have dealt and deal now with slights, and disrespect. Makes me want to say, "Sorry about them."
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Your compassion is understood and appreciated. It is enough for those who have served and become brothers in arms.
Comment from JT traveller
Wonderful, powerful, expressive. You served your country and certainly do not deserve derision. Beautifully composed and heartfelt. I love it. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Wonderful, powerful, expressive. You served your country and certainly do not deserve derision. Beautifully composed and heartfelt. I love it. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your compassion. It helps that you care and feel a brotherhood with those who serve.
Comment from DeboraDyess
Hello, Nomi -
I love the poem as much as I hate the mistreatment of of people who are 'different' for any reason. My disabillity is not always obvious. Skin color is often the first thing people see and, sadly, pass judgement upon. It sucks that all these years later we're still trying to fix that broken part of our country and our souls.
The poem is wonderful. I love the reference to yeast and the sun -- there's no denying them. No matter what you do or how you try, they rise.
It also reminded me of a Proverb (forgive me - the reference has eluded me for now) that says something like, "Though the righteous man is knocked over seven times, he will rise."
Blessings to you and yours this coming new year and beyond and thank you for your service.
Deb
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Hello, Nomi -
I love the poem as much as I hate the mistreatment of of people who are 'different' for any reason. My disabillity is not always obvious. Skin color is often the first thing people see and, sadly, pass judgement upon. It sucks that all these years later we're still trying to fix that broken part of our country and our souls.
The poem is wonderful. I love the reference to yeast and the sun -- there's no denying them. No matter what you do or how you try, they rise.
It also reminded me of a Proverb (forgive me - the reference has eluded me for now) that says something like, "Though the righteous man is knocked over seven times, he will rise."
Blessings to you and yours this coming new year and beyond and thank you for your service.
Deb
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your wonderful comments. You evidence a wonderful sense of compassion and love.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is a lovely poem about the will to be recognized for freely given service to your country and all who abide there. Sadly, the heroes who aren't white have been ignored, and all of us must speak of them and give them their rightful place in history.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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This is a lovely poem about the will to be recognized for freely given service to your country and all who abide there. Sadly, the heroes who aren't white have been ignored, and all of us must speak of them and give them their rightful place in history.
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you. Even though the experience I mainly speak of is in reference to an African American, the Hispanic, the Asian, the American Indian, the Arab, and the Jewish soldiers have all at some point been treated unfairly. Despite this, still we serve, still we rise.
Comment from Carlos' girl
Nice work. Great theme and I love the reference to Maya Angelou, what a national treasure she is.
I appreciate your voice and thought provoking poetry
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Nice work. Great theme and I love the reference to Maya Angelou, what a national treasure she is.
I appreciate your voice and thought provoking poetry
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you. The response to this poem have been overwhelming. I had no idea when i wrote it that it would prove to be so popular. I am totally gratified by the positive response. I thank all who have reviewed and commented.
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Very happy to hear this
Comment from jenintorre
This is an excellent, well written poem. It is so very sad. It breaks my heart to think that this does happen. It is such a cruel world that we live in. Take care. Jen.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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This is an excellent, well written poem. It is so very sad. It breaks my heart to think that this does happen. It is such a cruel world that we live in. Take care. Jen.
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you. The love that has come rushing to the surface, displays something very powerful about the people in this country. There is a powerful level of love and support for our veterans and any who would mistreat them had better keep their hands off.
Comment from pome lover
I did not know that you men who served this country in wartime had been mistreated afterwards, much less hated. From what I've read about "you", you were brave fighters for your country.
My sympathy does noithing to erase that, but I am sorry. People can be cruel - generally because they don't take the time to learn the facts about those they mistreat.
Well, I thank you for your service. My father was in WW11, not as a fighter, but a surgeon behind the lines for two years.
Within yourself, I hope you are proud of your military service and I feel sure your family feels so, too.
Katharine
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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I did not know that you men who served this country in wartime had been mistreated afterwards, much less hated. From what I've read about "you", you were brave fighters for your country.
My sympathy does noithing to erase that, but I am sorry. People can be cruel - generally because they don't take the time to learn the facts about those they mistreat.
Well, I thank you for your service. My father was in WW11, not as a fighter, but a surgeon behind the lines for two years.
Within yourself, I hope you are proud of your military service and I feel sure your family feels so, too.
Katharine
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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I was not compelled to serve. I joined as a seventeen year old served during the Vietnam era, did not get involved in any combat so I was blessed in that regard. Everything good that has happened to me since my service, I credit to the things I learned during my enlistment.
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well, that says a lot for the people you were around, then. Good training, it sounds like, and good experience.
Comment from mermaids
Excellent poem that should be read by all. I like how you give a voice to these individuals who need to be heard. "Hatred harms you, off me it will bounce,Covered by love I treasure the ounce", are two lines that impact your words and have much meaning. Definitely a sixer here.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Excellent poem that should be read by all. I like how you give a voice to these individuals who need to be heard. "Hatred harms you, off me it will bounce,Covered by love I treasure the ounce", are two lines that impact your words and have much meaning. Definitely a sixer here.
Comment Written 30-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2022
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Thank you. I truly treasure and appreciate your kind and generous comments.
