I Still Rise
A Tribute to soldiers of color and their struggles at home.59 total reviews
Comment from Lilly Flowers
What a powerful poem, Nomi! From the time of the Civil War to Vietnam, etc., our Black soldiers have not been appreciated. Worse, after risking life and limb, they returned to a country that treated them horribly.
You did such a wonderful job writing this poem. Your passion shows and your skillful rhymes emphasize the message you are conveying. Well done! Hugs, Lilly
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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What a powerful poem, Nomi! From the time of the Civil War to Vietnam, etc., our Black soldiers have not been appreciated. Worse, after risking life and limb, they returned to a country that treated them horribly.
You did such a wonderful job writing this poem. Your passion shows and your skillful rhymes emphasize the message you are conveying. Well done! Hugs, Lilly
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you so much Lilly. Your kind and generous comments warm my heart and lift my spirits higher than they have been for some time. I cannot thank you enough.
Comment from Jim Wile
It's very sad that you and the brave military men you are writing about have received the sort of treatment you talk about in your poem. I'm hoping that as time goes on, we continue to get further and further from the ignorance and ill-treatment of the past.
You've written a great tribute to minorities everywhere.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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It's very sad that you and the brave military men you are writing about have received the sort of treatment you talk about in your poem. I'm hoping that as time goes on, we continue to get further and further from the ignorance and ill-treatment of the past.
You've written a great tribute to minorities everywhere.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you so much for your generously kind comments. I am so far removed from any hard feelings my poem may have indicated.
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Beautifully stated poem. It reminds me of Maya's poem Still I Rise. It has that determination to succeed and prosper affirmation that her poem invoked.
The rhyme scheme is well-done. The message is powerful and proud. Thank you for sharing this entry. People need to be reminded and sometimes we too that we have given a lot to this nation. Despite our poor treatment we Still Rise!
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Beautifully stated poem. It reminds me of Maya's poem Still I Rise. It has that determination to succeed and prosper affirmation that her poem invoked.
The rhyme scheme is well-done. The message is powerful and proud. Thank you for sharing this entry. People need to be reminded and sometimes we too that we have given a lot to this nation. Despite our poor treatment we Still Rise!
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you Dear Sandra. I actually submitted the wrong version of this poem. In the version I intended to submit, I acknowledged the inspiration drawn from Maya's poem
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Just hit edit poem and add it in the AN. You are welcome and blessings to you and yours in 2023!
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very nice poem. Very nicely done.
Racism is systemic. No one can deny, or dispute that reality.
It takes courage and strength to endure and not be damaged by it just as it takes courage and strength to overcome its claim on those who would be wielders.
Only one critical review - war and far don't rhyme very well.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Very nice poem. Very nicely done.
Racism is systemic. No one can deny, or dispute that reality.
It takes courage and strength to endure and not be damaged by it just as it takes courage and strength to overcome its claim on those who would be wielders.
Only one critical review - war and far don't rhyme very well.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I realized that when I decided to use it, I chose to not compromise the intended thought, and so I left it in. Thank you for your comments.
Comment from BethShelby
I see that I have read it before but I'm still very impressed with it.
It is a good poem. I like how you speak out for those of your race who have been treated unfairly. Prejudice is a terrrible thing and people of color are not the only ones who suffer. Women have been discriminated against as have older people and certainly religions, retardation and physical abnormalities, and now it is gays and trans. No matter the victim, it is wrong. God loves all his children Most people are there because of birth and nothing they could control, which makes the descrimination worse.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I see that I have read it before but I'm still very impressed with it.
It is a good poem. I like how you speak out for those of your race who have been treated unfairly. Prejudice is a terrrible thing and people of color are not the only ones who suffer. Women have been discriminated against as have older people and certainly religions, retardation and physical abnormalities, and now it is gays and trans. No matter the victim, it is wrong. God loves all his children Most people are there because of birth and nothing they could control, which makes the descrimination worse.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Amen my sister. I feel sorrow for those bound by prejudice, as I see it as a form of mental illness. Failure to realize the fact that all humans are from the same family shows a profound ignorance. Given choices our parents made we could have wound up being someone totally different than who we are today. Who can we blame or thank for that?
Comment from Tom Horonzy
I agree with your thoughts written here, and if you were near, I'd offer to buy you a beer, since there are no such drinks in my fridge. Thank all my brothers in arms regardless of color or ethnicity. Serving in the armed services introduced a needed code or I would not have succeeded in life.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I agree with your thoughts written here, and if you were near, I'd offer to buy you a beer, since there are no such drinks in my fridge. Thank all my brothers in arms regardless of color or ethnicity. Serving in the armed services introduced a needed code or I would not have succeeded in life.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your comments. A wise man once stated, there in no prejudice in a foxhole. When the guy next to you is helping to keep the enemy at bay, you have little time or reason to hate anyone but the guy trying to kill you.
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And even then unless the enemy is a rabid follower ate would be hard to do for another fulfilling their duty. I would love to see the day when two sides at war simply in Toto put their weapons down and declare this foolishness is over.
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That would be awesome.
Comment from Frank Malley
With a nod to Maya Angelou, in its title and final statement, this poem confronts the cruel historic and still chronic feature of hate and discrimination within a civilization. I can see changes in some lines to make them stronger, or so I think; wouldn't stanza four be better 'The hatred that shrinks you/ Off me will just bounce/ where I find love I absorb every ounce.' "You truly hate me" is an important thematic line, but it would step forward more with a more novel line such as 'You paint me with hate that coils in your eyes.' Merely my opinion on a poem that addresses an important and endlessly present feature of civilizations.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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With a nod to Maya Angelou, in its title and final statement, this poem confronts the cruel historic and still chronic feature of hate and discrimination within a civilization. I can see changes in some lines to make them stronger, or so I think; wouldn't stanza four be better 'The hatred that shrinks you/ Off me will just bounce/ where I find love I absorb every ounce.' "You truly hate me" is an important thematic line, but it would step forward more with a more novel line such as 'You paint me with hate that coils in your eyes.' Merely my opinion on a poem that addresses an important and endlessly present feature of civilizations.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your creative suggestions. Obviously you have poetic instincts that are superior to mine. Nothing I have ever written is cast in stone. I no doubt, will address this poem at some point and make adjustments.
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Thank you for giving voice and praise to all unsung warriors, who find the strength to rise above hatred, bias, injustice, and indifference. Be proud as is your right. Blessings.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you for giving voice and praise to all unsung warriors, who find the strength to rise above hatred, bias, injustice, and indifference. Be proud as is your right. Blessings.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you. I have never regretted serving in our nation's military. That service has definitely contributed to the growth I now enjoy.
Comment from Mario PIERRE
I very rarely give 6 stars, but your poem is so powerful bold, that it reaches the 'exceptional ' level. The rich vocabulary and the defiant tone stirs our revolted emotions. Superbly written!!
Mario
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I very rarely give 6 stars, but your poem is so powerful bold, that it reaches the 'exceptional ' level. The rich vocabulary and the defiant tone stirs our revolted emotions. Superbly written!!
Mario
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you Mario. I truly appreciate the honor you have bestowed on my poem. More adequate words elude me as I am overwhelmed by your awesome statements.
Comment from Pantygynt
This is a very honest account of personal feelings from one who knows and has doubtless been on the receiving end. The pendulum is swinging and sometimes I think it has swung, at least it has in UK. Just look at our current cabinet ministers, and our BBC anchor people.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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This is a very honest account of personal feelings from one who knows and has doubtless been on the receiving end. The pendulum is swinging and sometimes I think it has swung, at least it has in UK. Just look at our current cabinet ministers, and our BBC anchor people.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Yes, thank God that we as a species have the ability to grow and recognize that at the end of the day, we are but one species. Just as a rose and a petunia are one species, flower, despite their obvious difference in appearance.
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Shouldn't that be 'one specie'?
Happy New Year Lol.
