An outstanding social poem. "Shades Of Black For Life" has
sung its history and delivered a flower scented by aroma of
justice.
Healthy Blissful Life, Poet!
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)
Reviewed on March 1, 2005
A masterpiece for Black History month. King would probably have read
this on stage, had he been alive to see it.
I was born in February, and maybe that is why I am "black on
the inside," as former entertainer peers used to tell me. I love the meter, the swing, the brown syrup 'flow' of the voice of the black
community. Only pain and past oppression could produce these volatile lines, and only God will rectify the injustices to this beautiful race...in time...which is not far away.
Blessings to you, marvelous Poetess!
great! the black contribution to life has been immense, and especially here in the Uk we love Motown and stevie, ella,
louis, and all the other brilliant black performers and
personalities to have emerged in the last century. :-) k
Great! I so much love it when there's someone to speak out. This is combined with a beautiful, poetic, direct and plain language. It's all in it. I wish there would be more literature like this in our time where everybody is trained to pretend and keep quiet.
God bless you!
Wonderfully straightforward and needed all year round.
Take a moment to read "You Know Why He Beat You," Z, and tell me what you think. Had a similar theme to this poem in its final twist, but I think some missed that.
And there are sections in the south that are still treating blacks like they did in the not so distant past...special sections in restaurants and like that...When we visited in the backwoods of Mississippi we stopped at diner with that type of sign in the back of the place, "FOR BLACKS ONLY", so we sat back there...boy the rest of the rednecks sure did not like us too much...suffice to say we were not far from the border and never went back to that state, nor will I ever...they acted like inbred, unintelligent idiots there...they don't deserve any tourist money...(sorry I got to rambling), Find peace, Ed & Rufuz
Excellent airing of your feelings with the boldness of truth Z~ which is what is needed on both sides in dialogue, as Aberjhani says. I think we have come a long way, but certainly nowhere near far enough.
My only problem is the best way to get there. That's what the dialogue should be, and it shouldn't be just one sided only one party as if they had all the answers because if they did why isn't it solved? We need some fresh faces and leaders to enter in. Let's hope for progress now, and into the future...etw
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2005
Black people should always hold their heads up high and be proud of their achievements. I like the warmth and candor of my black friends. In the end like your last sentence the prejudice that some show does destroy them.
I came upon this poem just after speaking long distance with a friend about the increasing need for people to engage without fear or anger in dialogue regarding the sad history, complex reality, and joyful potentials of race relations. A poem such as this, I feel, shows a step in the right direction. It isn't always necessary to speak, as people sometimes say, "truth to power," but it is necessary to speak the truth of our own minds, hearts, and spirits to the truth of all of our brothers' and sisters' minds, hearts, and spirits. And it is always important to listen, across whatever lines might falsely divide human beings, to each other. Neither ignorance nor fear will do. But this poem will:-)Peace.
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2005
I have to say that as I read these words I had more than one or two feeling of "why did she say that," and "that's not the way to think," and I cannot say that I still don't think like that about certain things. I know that your anger and mistrust is deep and you will pass on carrying it, as I most likely would if the roles were reversed. But, I will also say this, the true nature of America has been proven over and over through time. Slavery was wrong, we went to war because of it. Afterwards the pitiful human rights for blacks were wrong and we changed the laws concerning them. Yes, it took too long to do, and yes, there are still problems, but looking at it from MY lily-white vantage point, the black citizens of America are much better off than most anywhere else in the world. These my words on the subject of this well-written, angry poem. I liked it even though I had twinges of uncomfortable feelings.
You've penned a powerful, thought provoking write of life after unspeakable cruelties. Thank you for this anthem of pride--a stirring, inspirational, beautiful write--BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :(
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2005
This is your best.
It hurts to the core. I can't believe countries like this exsist.
Your Mr Bush should sort out his back yard, before going else where. You pay his taxes.
This book explores how U.S. presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy failed to stand up to Soviet aggression during the early Cold War—despite America's overwhelming nuclear advantage.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
An outstanding social poem. "Shades Of Black For Life" has
sung its history and delivered a flower scented by aroma of
justice.
Healthy Blissful Life, Poet!
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
this on stage, had he been alive to see it.
I was born in February, and maybe that is why I am "black on
the inside," as former entertainer peers used to tell me. I love the meter, the swing, the brown syrup 'flow' of the voice of the black
community. Only pain and past oppression could produce these volatile lines, and only God will rectify the injustices to this beautiful race...in time...which is not far away.
Blessings to you, marvelous Poetess!
Vesna:)
Exceptional write ... clearly your best - keep them coming!!
Robert
louis, and all the other brilliant black performers and
personalities to have emerged in the last century. :-) k
God bless you!
Take a moment to read "You Know Why He Beat You," Z, and tell me what you think. Had a similar theme to this poem in its final twist, but I think some missed that.
Thanks for reviewing my poem "NOT AS BEFORE" I am truly honored.
Thanks again.
Emeka Nwogu
Safi
keep our history from being erased.
So true - and I look forward to your Black History Month posts.
Keep writing!
Lisa
Love Tinka
Peace and sunshine
My only problem is the best way to get there. That's what the dialogue should be, and it shouldn't be just one sided only one party as if they had all the answers because if they did why isn't it solved? We need some fresh faces and leaders to enter in. Let's hope for progress now, and into the future...etw
You've penned a powerful, thought provoking write of life after unspeakable cruelties. Thank you for this anthem of pride--a stirring, inspirational, beautiful write--BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :(
It hurts to the core. I can't believe countries like this exsist.
Your Mr Bush should sort out his back yard, before going else where. You pay his taxes.
This should be sent to the british press.
I cannot pick a special line........this whole write rings of truth and wisdom
Pax
A