I Still Rise
A Tribute to soldiers of color and their struggles at home.59 total reviews
Comment from Heather Knight
This is so unfair and so true.
Have you chosen your title so that it resembles Maya Angelou's Still I Rise or is it a coincidence?
I very much enjoyed your poem and your choice of subject matter.
Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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This is so unfair and so true.
Have you chosen your title so that it resembles Maya Angelou's Still I Rise or is it a coincidence?
I very much enjoyed your poem and your choice of subject matter.
Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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The poem was definitely inspired by Maya's poem. I had to make some obvious changes as her poem pointed out some obvious reference to her femininity. Thank you for your comments.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I think it's awful what you all went through. What is wrong with people? God made us all, he gave us all the colour we are, who are these people to say God did wrong in doing so? The one thing everyone can hold on to, is one day it WILL be judgement day. Then they will have to face God. I can't see Him being pleased!! You're a lovely man, my friend, and God loves you and me and our different skin colours!!!! Have a wonderful New Year, dear friend. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I think it's awful what you all went through. What is wrong with people? God made us all, he gave us all the colour we are, who are these people to say God did wrong in doing so? The one thing everyone can hold on to, is one day it WILL be judgement day. Then they will have to face God. I can't see Him being pleased!! You're a lovely man, my friend, and God loves you and me and our different skin colours!!!! Have a wonderful New Year, dear friend. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Dear Sandra, your wisdom, your compassion, are all on full display. This site, this community, this world is made better by the inclusion of persons such as you. I thank you with all of my ability to do so.
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Aw, Bless you lovely heart, my dear friend. xxxx
Comment from Ricky1024
"I Still Rise"
This is a tribute to our colored soldiers especially during the Civil War when Lincoln did free the negroes but then we forced them into war.
It was noted the Civil War was more costly than the Vietnam and the Korean War combined.
This was well written rich in Theme and Imagery.
It also, read well and flowed well with No Grammar Issues.
...
Complete Synopsis:
The Adjective and Objective Contents were both Excellent and Exceptional while Descriptive Measures aligned most Perfectly.
Thank you for sharing this and have a Blessed day.
Doctor Ricky 1024
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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"I Still Rise"
This is a tribute to our colored soldiers especially during the Civil War when Lincoln did free the negroes but then we forced them into war.
It was noted the Civil War was more costly than the Vietnam and the Korean War combined.
This was well written rich in Theme and Imagery.
It also, read well and flowed well with No Grammar Issues.
...
Complete Synopsis:
The Adjective and Objective Contents were both Excellent and Exceptional while Descriptive Measures aligned most Perfectly.
Thank you for sharing this and have a Blessed day.
Doctor Ricky 1024
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you Doctor Ricky. Your assessment has been received and will be administered immediately. You have my complete gratitude for your wonderfully kind and generous comments.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
So many suffer at the hands of others who have the power over them and there is still much prejudice in the world. A kind word and helping hand costs nothing. Your poem is poignant and heartfelt, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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So many suffer at the hands of others who have the power over them and there is still much prejudice in the world. A kind word and helping hand costs nothing. Your poem is poignant and heartfelt, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you Dolly, Your wise, wonderful and generous comments are always welcome.
Comment from karenina
A stain of shame is upon this country, and will remain so as long as men and women of color put their lives on the the line for this country while they are persistently disproportionatly more likely to be profiled,
traffic stopped, denied equal benefits, and die IN this country after fighting for it.
Thank you for your voice.
I stand in solidarity with you!
Karenina
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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A stain of shame is upon this country, and will remain so as long as men and women of color put their lives on the the line for this country while they are persistently disproportionatly more likely to be profiled,
traffic stopped, denied equal benefits, and die IN this country after fighting for it.
Thank you for your voice.
I stand in solidarity with you!
Karenina
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank so much dear one. Over the time I have become aware of you, your depth of compassion and tender feelings, I have come to revere you as one of that most rare individuals. I count myself blessed to be affiliated with you.
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I feel the very same, my friend!
Comment from Wendy G
You should be respected and cared for as all servicemen should be. As all people should be, in fact. Racism and associated hatred and bigotry are a grave sin, and I find such attitudes very upsetting. I am glad you have such strength and resilience, but it distresses me that you are unfairly targeted and looked down on. It is important to keep sharing your beautiful writing, and challenge attitudes and preconceptions. Your strong faith enables you to know (and have peace) that you are valued by the One who matters most. Best wishes.
Wendy
Wendy
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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You should be respected and cared for as all servicemen should be. As all people should be, in fact. Racism and associated hatred and bigotry are a grave sin, and I find such attitudes very upsetting. I am glad you have such strength and resilience, but it distresses me that you are unfairly targeted and looked down on. It is important to keep sharing your beautiful writing, and challenge attitudes and preconceptions. Your strong faith enables you to know (and have peace) that you are valued by the One who matters most. Best wishes.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you Wendy. Your kind and compassionate comments lift my spirits and fill my heart with gratitude.
Comment from amahra
I can see how much you like Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise". A point I would make, though: A reviewer suggested that you rhyme, "saw" with the word "war" but don't do it. You are correct in using "far" with "war". A good poet never forces a word to rhyme. Great job!
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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I can see how much you like Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise". A point I would make, though: A reviewer suggested that you rhyme, "saw" with the word "war" but don't do it. You are correct in using "far" with "war". A good poet never forces a word to rhyme. Great job!
Comment Written 29-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you, I have no intention of making that suggested change. The thought expressed in that stanza is there for a reason. Provisions put in place for all veterans, robbed some white veterans of the chance to feel superior, so some black veterans were intimidated into not applying.
Comment from Karyn2
This poem is powerful in the way it calls out the injustice. It is indeed a tribute to those mistreated so cruelly when they bravely gave up so much! I have a suggestion but please take or leave: I wanted to love the 3rd and 4th last line but "war" and "far" didn't quite work for me as the rhyme intended. I wondered if you could rework it something like: "served in your military during every war, Veteran's benefits a privilege I never saw" ?? Read it out loud and see what you think. I know it's personal. It's a poem everyone should read to better understand another's point of view and experiences.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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This poem is powerful in the way it calls out the injustice. It is indeed a tribute to those mistreated so cruelly when they bravely gave up so much! I have a suggestion but please take or leave: I wanted to love the 3rd and 4th last line but "war" and "far" didn't quite work for me as the rhyme intended. I wondered if you could rework it something like: "served in your military during every war, Veteran's benefits a privilege I never saw" ?? Read it out loud and see what you think. I know it's personal. It's a poem everyone should read to better understand another's point of view and experiences.
Comment Written 28-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you for your suggestion. However, there is a reason that line was written that way. Although provisions were put into place for all veterans, Some white veterans, not all, felt the need to feel superior, so they intimidated some black veterans to not apply. Sometimes the opposition was actually life threatening.
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It is so awful to hear the extent of racism that black veterans experienced after their dedicated service. My heartfelt sorrow and sorry that it wasn?t different and my hope is we learn to do better - Much better! In the way we love and show compassion to every human being.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
A powerful and well crafted poem of truth
These soldiers have given themselves and to be treated so badly. My husband had an experience years ago where only the airman of color and he as a jew were forced to under go basic training twice for no reason but to be kept under the thumbs of the instructor.
Your tribute is not only brilliant and much needed .
Mary
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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A powerful and well crafted poem of truth
These soldiers have given themselves and to be treated so badly. My husband had an experience years ago where only the airman of color and he as a jew were forced to under go basic training twice for no reason but to be kept under the thumbs of the instructor.
Your tribute is not only brilliant and much needed .
Mary
Comment Written 28-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Oh boy. It happened to me not once, not twice, but three times. An incident that occurred during the third time resulted in my charging my instructor with abuse. It was the 67th time he had been charge, the first time he went to trial and the first time he was convicted. This happened in 1960-61, I was punished by other sergeants for the entire time of my enlistment.
Comment from jmdg1954
Sorry, but I cannot understand the racism shown to those of color when you put your life on the line the same as those racists.
It makes my blood boil, I have to watch what I write. I'm white. I never served. I thank ALL those who served giving us the freedom any other country would love to enjoy.
I wish I had a six-star to offer. I don't. I certainly would.
God bless you for writing and supporting! I salute you.
John
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Sorry, but I cannot understand the racism shown to those of color when you put your life on the line the same as those racists.
It makes my blood boil, I have to watch what I write. I'm white. I never served. I thank ALL those who served giving us the freedom any other country would love to enjoy.
I wish I had a six-star to offer. I don't. I certainly would.
God bless you for writing and supporting! I salute you.
John
Comment Written 28-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
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Thank you John. I could have written much more, but to do so at this point in my life would be pointless. I have no bitterness, as the blame lies not with our institutions but with individuals who should but obviously do not know any better.
