Stephen Lawrence
A Racist Echo!28 total reviews
Comment from nomi338
Your poem is empathetic, heartfelt, probing and so touching that I felt the impact deeply within my soul.
Something that people who lack Biblical knowledge do not understand is that God has the power to permanently condemn or restore. When we act in a vile and vicious way, we are acting in concert with God's enemy Satan the Devil. This evil demon will be destroyed one day and many now dead will be restored to life. That is in the Bible. Innocent people will have the chance to live again free of evil, while the evil people will be condemned to darkness forever. This is a wonderful poem. I am now compelled to read all of the poems whose titles intrigue me.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2023
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Your poem is empathetic, heartfelt, probing and so touching that I felt the impact deeply within my soul.
Something that people who lack Biblical knowledge do not understand is that God has the power to permanently condemn or restore. When we act in a vile and vicious way, we are acting in concert with God's enemy Satan the Devil. This evil demon will be destroyed one day and many now dead will be restored to life. That is in the Bible. Innocent people will have the chance to live again free of evil, while the evil people will be condemned to darkness forever. This is a wonderful poem. I am now compelled to read all of the poems whose titles intrigue me.
Comment Written 26-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2023
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Oh now I'm overwhelmed with your kindness! You didn't have to review but I'm absolutely honoured by your thoughts, thank you so much! This is the saddest case and has been ongoing in the UK for decades, still not conclusively resolved. It has unearthed institutional racism in the police, the courts and social services etc which is still needing further addressing and attention although his case has been the catalyst for great change, spurred on so impressively by his mother who now sits in the House of Lords (second chamber of parliament - scrutinising legislation, holding government to account). Due to your own experiences and posts, you were very much on my mind when I wrote it. Bless you for your time, intelligent input and generosity! Debbie x
Comment from bob cullen
You're not only an outstanding writer, you're also an outstanding poet. This is a brilliant poem telling the story of a gigantic miscarriage of justice. Debbie, you are a brilliant poet. I need to read more of your work. I'll review some more tomorrow. It really does deserve six stars.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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You're not only an outstanding writer, you're also an outstanding poet. This is a brilliant poem telling the story of a gigantic miscarriage of justice. Debbie, you are a brilliant poet. I need to read more of your work. I'll review some more tomorrow. It really does deserve six stars.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Bob, where have you been all my life:) ? I'm so grateful for the time you've put into this and so sorry that you've had no reward here. You are deeply appreciated. Debbie
Comment from WalkerMan
Because six thugs cared nothing for the life of this young man who had never done them any harm, nor even said a word from across the street where he quietly awaited a bus, humanity lost whatever architecture he aspired to design and someday see built, leaving his bereft mother to spend thirty years so far in attempt to see justice done.
Though one of the perps escaped earthly punishment by dying, and two were finally tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, the remaining three may or may not ever see jail time. Yet, each of the six must eventually face our Creator's judgement, which also extends to the corrupt police and others who fumbled their duty to resolve the murder and catch all involved for speedy trial. Meanwhile, the unsettled crime has become a multi-decade shame, both locally and for the nation.
No human child is born a bigot with its consequent hatred. It is taught by parents, the schools, and/or the society. Stephen Lawrence's mother never taught him such evil, yet her grief is endless while the case is still not closed. However, the fact that other citizens all over the country have sided with her is at least some progress against bigotry.
Your fine poem of quatrains with fourth-line refrain rhyming with each second line is highly effective in carrying the theme throughout. You tell Stephen's story well in the process, and my eyes misted as I read.
Superb, aptly illustrated with a picture of Stephen, and worth my last Six.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2023
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Because six thugs cared nothing for the life of this young man who had never done them any harm, nor even said a word from across the street where he quietly awaited a bus, humanity lost whatever architecture he aspired to design and someday see built, leaving his bereft mother to spend thirty years so far in attempt to see justice done.
Though one of the perps escaped earthly punishment by dying, and two were finally tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, the remaining three may or may not ever see jail time. Yet, each of the six must eventually face our Creator's judgement, which also extends to the corrupt police and others who fumbled their duty to resolve the murder and catch all involved for speedy trial. Meanwhile, the unsettled crime has become a multi-decade shame, both locally and for the nation.
No human child is born a bigot with its consequent hatred. It is taught by parents, the schools, and/or the society. Stephen Lawrence's mother never taught him such evil, yet her grief is endless while the case is still not closed. However, the fact that other citizens all over the country have sided with her is at least some progress against bigotry.
Your fine poem of quatrains with fourth-line refrain rhyming with each second line is highly effective in carrying the theme throughout. You tell Stephen's story well in the process, and my eyes misted as I read.
Superb, aptly illustrated with a picture of Stephen, and worth my last Six.
Comment Written 15-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2023
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Mike, you are so kind! Thank you very much for this wonderful rating and feedback. And I'm so sorry you get no reward for your efforts. I know you're going to say that's not what you look for which, of course, makes you the very special friend and a mentor you are to me. I hope you are keeping well and not too over-worked. Many thanks again, Debbie x
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You are most welcome, Debbie. Congratulations for reaching All Time Best for this important post because my review was the twenty-sixth. You'll see the emblem and ranking by tomorrow. Though this case is well known in the U.K., it is little known in the U.S. because we have too many cases of our own here; so I commend you for making us aware of it and Stephen's mother's efforts to reduce the atmosphere which caused it.
The real cause of bigotry and resultant hatred is that the self-appointed "elites" who want to own and control all the rest of humanity want strife among us so we don't unite against the would-be tyrants and stomp them out of existence. Doing that is the only real path to worldwide peace.
Your post is important, as it is a step in the right direction. :)) -- Mike
Comment from BethShelby
This is sad and so true of this country. I didn't realize it is the same in the UK. The police are corrupt as well her. Making them wear body cameras has helped some, but so many young men have died due to racial prejudice. Now thaat almost everyone has cameras has helped solve a lot of cases but the problems continue. Your poem rhymes well and brings the subject out in the open.
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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This is sad and so true of this country. I didn't realize it is the same in the UK. The police are corrupt as well her. Making them wear body cameras has helped some, but so many young men have died due to racial prejudice. Now thaat almost everyone has cameras has helped solve a lot of cases but the problems continue. Your poem rhymes well and brings the subject out in the open.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, Beth! I really appreciate your rating and feedback here. It's a shocking case that has been ongoing for 30 years due not least to institutional racism. Stephen's mother, however, has just kept on campaigning and will never stop - she's been made a Dame in The House of Lords in recognition. Have a great weekend! Debbie
Comment from Tom Horonzy
So many years to chase the thugs with the hope of resolving their vicious crime and to see them hung if not physically, in effigy, for taking the life of this young man. Causes one to pause and ask what might he have architectured.
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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So many years to chase the thugs with the hope of resolving their vicious crime and to see them hung if not physically, in effigy, for taking the life of this young man. Causes one to pause and ask what might he have architectured.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, Tom, for your rating and feedback which are greatly valued. Take care Debbie
Comment from Iza Deleanu
I wonder what demons are taking over somebody soul that gets them in a killing rage. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings. I never knew that UK had hate crime until now.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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I wonder what demons are taking over somebody soul that gets them in a killing rage. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings. I never knew that UK had hate crime until now.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, Iza, for this! Yes, we certainly have it and this case is 30 years old. It's absolutely shameful. Your rating and feedback are much appreciated. Take care, Debbie
Comment from jmdg1954
Debbie,
I am sorry at this point of the week to be out of 6's, as this in my mind, between the story in the poem and your notes certainly deserves one from me.
Situations like this happen throughout the civilized world, (civilized?). Its totally unforgiving how it took so long for 2 to be sentenced and the other four remain free. Hopefully that will change!
Sad story but so well presented to us.
John
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Debbie,
I am sorry at this point of the week to be out of 6's, as this in my mind, between the story in the poem and your notes certainly deserves one from me.
Situations like this happen throughout the civilized world, (civilized?). Its totally unforgiving how it took so long for 2 to be sentenced and the other four remain free. Hopefully that will change!
Sad story but so well presented to us.
John
Comment Written 13-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, John! I really appreciate your kind rating, your virtual 6 and feedback. It is a terrible story which has dominated UK news over the last 30 years. Some good has come out of it with law change, community policing etc but not enough, certainly for Stephen's family. Take care Debbie
Comment from Lisasview
I started crying after the 4th line and have not stopped since. Race issues are a horrible thing and never seem to get any better.
You poem is so moving and reads extremely well.
Thank you for sharing... Everyone ~ Everywhere should read your words.
Lisasview
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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I started crying after the 4th line and have not stopped since. Race issues are a horrible thing and never seem to get any better.
You poem is so moving and reads extremely well.
Thank you for sharing... Everyone ~ Everywhere should read your words.
Lisasview
Comment Written 13-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, Lisa for such a lovely rating and feedback! Your words are very deeply valued. Take care Debbie x
Comment from jenintorre
A wonderful 6 star true story in a poem. Obviously because I am a fellow Brit this awful tragedy sticks in my mind. Not sure that the Americans would have heard about it as sadly it is quite commonplace across the pond.
Thanks for sharing. Jen.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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A wonderful 6 star true story in a poem. Obviously because I am a fellow Brit this awful tragedy sticks in my mind. Not sure that the Americans would have heard about it as sadly it is quite commonplace across the pond.
Thanks for sharing. Jen.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much, Jen, for this very generous rating and your feedback! Yes, it is so prevalent in the US but apparently the Asian community is now faring really badly following all the anti-China rhetoric and they don't have the same laws at the blacks to protect them. With racism so rife, I have to wonder if the pandemic made things even worse by feeding into us this insecurity and fear about the enemy within... Lovely to know you're a fellow Brit :) Thanks again so much, Debbie
Comment from BenThrone
Thank you for this amazing poem. Your use of rhyme and pointed refrain drive home the urgency and indignation of this justice delayed far too long. I am so impressed by this poem, truly.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Thank you for this amazing poem. Your use of rhyme and pointed refrain drive home the urgency and indignation of this justice delayed far too long. I am so impressed by this poem, truly.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2023
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Ben, thank you so much for this amazing review! I really value this coming from you. Take care Debbie
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You are most welcome!
