In this article (see downloadable link above) I present my personal reflections about the significance of poetry as a tool of social conscience. However, this is a two-pronged article which addresses both the viability of poetry as a tool for enlightenment and bridge-building, but also discusses the nuances of poetry and the absolute need for poets to nurture and craft their creations from the onset of inspiration through the final evolution of edits and revisions.

Words as Work – Reflections of A Poet
© By J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford (3/1/2009) (Updated 7/29/2021)

As a poet, I strive, through words, to share information and make positive change in situations where I perceive that need and opportunity intersect. In 2009 I had the privilege of
meeting and hearing Danny Glover speak. He was the keynote speaker at a panel discussion on the issues of race and religion. Through his words he imparted with great passion how he uses his crafts of acting and filmmaking to accomplish the significant work of, among other things, chronicling history, bridge-building, and healing communities.

Those familiar with the social activist work of Mr. Glover know of the far-reaching and expansive nature of his work, so for the purpose of my
remarks here, I’ll limit my focus to his work of inspiring others through his words. Yesterday’s occasion caused me to reflect on my efforts to use art, specifically poetry, as a means of impacting change in my community and in society at large.

When writing, or more accurately, when contemplating a poem, I am often removed from my immediate circumstance. Situations arise that inspire me to reflect on a particular message and subsequently devise a message and writing approach to effectively accomplish work that I feel can enlighten, empower and inspire people that would read or listen to poetry. Often it is the very
massaging of words, evaluating their tone, feel and impact, beyond their literal meanings that determine their selection for a particular poem. As was aptly referenced by a young poet during a recent literary discussion, "the shades and shadows imparted by word selection make all the
difference" in the poet being able to harness aspects and emotions that would bring the listener to
fully comprehend the intent and the universe of a poem. Just as in science-fiction movies, which
seem to capture my attention more often than I care to confess, the universe of a poem is crafted by
more than merely the word selection of the poet. The poem is gestalt, truly more than the sum of its
parts. Yes, poets must carefully consider their word selection, but must also consider inference,
tone, nuance, feel, implication, as well as, of course sequence, meter, rhythm, and when desired,
rhyme. These are a few factors a skillful poet considers when writing. Ultimately, the buy-in of the
reader is dependent upon their experience of the poem, which inevitably must factor in their
experience of life as well as their relationship, and in many instances, their lack of relationship, to
the subject presented.
Just as through films and movies where we vicariously experience or peek into worlds
beyond our own, so the poet offers such insight and inspiration to those that would journey with
them. Great responsibility comes with such an onerous task as impacting social change, imparting
knowledge, and to the degree possible when one is so inspired, evoking empathy for people we
shall never personally know or meet. It is for these reasons and more that poets must take time to,
not merely write, but craft with great care poetry that withstands critique, analysis and discussion
by literary and lay person alike. It is the mark of a valid poem, if that is not a redundancy of
definition, to be embraced by those that appreciate it because it addresses a personal need, and fills
a void that is often inexpressible. That same poem must withstand review and scrutiny by those
that would take issue with its message. Truly such is the case for art of any type.
When yearning is quelled through art; when understanding is made clear and issues are
made simple; indeed when bridges are built through the delicate lettering of scripted words, then
mankind’s destiny can be both chronicled and championed through poetry. It is for these reasons
and through these lenses that I view and attempt to convey issues of significance through poetry.

Sistah Joy is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, Maryland. She is the author of "Lord I’m Dancin’ As Fast As I Can," "From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being," and "The Garden Called Life." Since 2003 she has served as president of the Poetry Ministry (The
Anointed P.E.N.S.) of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. She is the Producer and Host of the
award-winning cable television program, Sojourn With Words, which is based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She served as Poet in Residence of Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland for 10 years. Contact Sistah Joy at https://www.sistahjoy.com Poetsistahjoy.aol.com