You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self (Book) - 11/25/2024 2:32:39 PM
Brian Barbeito reviews Jacques Fleury’s You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self
Posted on 05/01/2024 by Synchronized Chaos
A Well Organized and Thoughtful Work Has Been Written by Jacques Fleury
Publisher, Author House
2023
By Jacques Fleury
Book cover for You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self. Silhouetted figure with their hand up and their foot in the air leaping into the future. Cover is green, yellow, and black with mountains and birds in the distance and a prickly tree and a shrub in the foreground.
Jacques Fleury’s book is a fine read, and will be inspiring and informative for many readers. The book is about the author’s journey of self discovery and acceptance, spanning an entire life still being lived. Students of many disciplines will gain from reading it including but not limited to sociology, philosophy, psychology, religion and spirituality, and social justice.
The structure of the book is well done with headings that are interesting and informative quotes from other authors. Fleury is a careful and considerate writer who has put much thought into his project. The reader is in soucient, capable hands.
I see the author through this work not only as a survivor, but a thriver. From Haitian Christian school that was difficult, and then emigrating to North American soil, the author addresses issues, but does not become cynical or jaded in his journeys. Obviously well read plus practiced at writing, he expresses his thoughts on everything from diet and physical health, to education and spirituality. He is on a journey of self discovery as a human and as a writer.
Among particularly interesting aspects of the book are the parts on modern mental health pharmacology. Without demonizing the industry, the writer has the talent to articulate the idea that people encountering that industry via its adjacent industry of therapy might want to proceed with caution, and self advocacy are the words of the day. This is a timely and important message in the current climate of so many pills to solve so many problems.
Another topic covered well is the idea of masculinity and what it is versus what it is thought to be. It seems the author is able to identify what historically is the case for masculine behaviour and when not wholly accepting it still accept himself. This is courageous and an educational, thought provoking and an empowering aspect of the book.
‘We must follow the energy that awakens the fire of the heart, and greet life with gusto and optimism, not sorrow and pessimism’ page 150. This is a great quote in the Fleury book that encapsulates the message of the book. In these troubled times of economic strife for many, homelessness, environmental decay, wars, continued racism and classism and other harmful isms, the book does not lose faith in people but strengthens the idea and hopefully reality that each person can through some awareness and self advocacy, create a better life.
You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self, is a thoughtful, well crafted and well rounded work of introspection and positively that we should all take the time to read.
⁃ Brian Michael Barbeito
You Are Enough: The Journey To Accepting Your Authentic Self is available on amazon and world wide.
Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian-American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student at Harvard University online. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” & other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Muddy River Poetry Review, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.
Chain Letter to America: the One Thing You Can Do to End Racism (Book) - 1/24/2020 10:39:42 AM
Thank you for citing me as you introduce your new book. Once again, I urge readers to take the time to read what Jacques writes. Few are as thorough and eloquent as he.
Ron
Under the Cover of Night (Short Story) - 11/9/2017 8:19:33 AM
well penned and holds the attention
Under the Cover of Night (Short Story) - 11/9/2017 6:21:53 AM
I've known some people on drugs who had an epiphany like that and quit cold turkey. You made me recall a father, 20 years into smoking (they say that nicotine is one of the most addicting of drugs) who quit suddenly in the middle-of-the-road trip as a truck driver, in the middle of a carton, in the middle of a pack.
Ron
Under the Cover of Night (Short Story) - 11/9/2017 2:48:35 AM
A slice of true grit, repentance and salvation, and yes, all under the cover of night. He seems to be one of the lucky ones, who is able to overcome the habit of temptation and fulfilment.
Under the Cover of Night (Short Story) - 11/9/2017 2:40:08 AM
While I'm surprised, the mobsters let Chiro live and don't seem to mind waiting for their money--your well-written story held my attention, and I'm glad Chiro got his chance to make himself a better person.
3. a.m. at the Cafe (Short Story) - 3/4/2017 3:15:42 AM
You brought this café to life with realistic dialogue from threadbare characters.
3. a.m. at the Cafe (Short Story) - 3/2/2017 10:33:52 AM
I think I like the vernacular. Not sure where this one is going. But after 3 AM the characters come out of the woodwork in all-night places like this.
Ron
A Candle for Lina (Short Story) - 12/22/2016 3:18:47 AM
Greetings Ronald,
I wanted to take this time to thank you for your comment on my story "A Candle for Lina." However, I wanted to clarify a few things about Haiti. To pity any persons or a group of people to me is an affront to the resiliency of the human spirit. Haiti is the first Black Republic in the world and staged the only successful slave rebellion against, England, France and Spain, led by a mostly illiterate slave army defeating the more sophisticated French who enslaved them.
Their state of economic scarcity was a direct result of the government having had to pay reparations to France after winning their independence in 1804 and which helped to inspire the slave revolution here in America.
Also the Haitian people are memorialized in Savannah, Georgia for having fought in the American Revolutionary War and the monetary aid from France to America came from the then thriving Haitian economy since 70% percent of the French economy came from St. Domingue, later to be known as Haiti. It was the richest island in the indies. During the American occupation of the island in early 20th century, the Americans looted the country and depleted it of its natural resources especially millions worth in gold, not to mention the self serving corrupt governmental leaders.
But yet Haiti is still standing and still producing exports. I am a Haitian-American and I am proud of both my Haitian and American heritage. Again, thank you for reading my piece and I shall read some of your as well, which thus far seem very inspiring. If you'd like to read more of my articles, please feel free to visit my website www.authorjacques.com.
A Candle for Lina (Short Story) - 12/20/2016 7:26:12 AM
What a story the story of Lina is. And what a tragedy Haiti has become. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about her and your compelling poetry at the end. Let us hope that your mother country can find a way to prosper in the future.
My sister, in her teens, was a nanny for a while, as was my cousin who ended up getting a degree in early childhood education and opened a childcare business in her home for neighbors and her three children.
Ron
The Last Five Years Proffers A Meditation on Romantic Love at Lyric Stage (Article) - 11/27/2021 11:51:58 AM
I doubt if I will ever see the play but there's a lot to play with "in the last five years." When it comes to drama, there's a lot in this "complicated mess."
As usual, you have written a very well researched and clear review of this play. Helping people decide whether or not they will either spend the money or find other ways to view the play.
I'm sure many other great players will come out of the turmoil we are going through.
Ron
Huntington Theatre’s “Witch” Casts Just the Right Spell or Does She? (Article) - 11/3/2021 10:36:50 AM
So many witches, down through the ages have been burned at the stake, simply because they were "different." And often that difference was that they were caregivers that were administering folk medicines to those with ailments that were hard to cure.
While overly long, you touched on all the bases in this review of the play that I have not heard of but I think will become more prominent in the future. As usual, your review is very intelligent and thorough, covering every aspect. I especially liked your discussion of the English accent, when so many actors on the stage are English and have an English accent! Early on when I watched the classic Roman movies, it seemed that all of the actors were English Shakespearean actors that spoke with a strong English accent except for Tony Curtis, who did have a bit of an Italian accent to offer. ;-)
My heart goes out to Haiti and hope that it can somehow recover from recent events on its own without massive intervention from the international community.
Ron
The True Meaning of Christmas (Article) - 12/28/2020 8:53:06 AM
Your "true" meaning of Christmas diverges quite a bit from the traditional browbeating that those in the know like to offer. But it speaks of divergence and why it is so important for us to understand each other and many traditions we have.
It's good to see your fine writing here for all to view.
Merry Christmas! a bit belated.
Ron
Sweat Posits Race, Class & Friendship at the Huntington (Article) - 2/13/2020 10:31:33 AM
A great review of Sweat. Although I probably won't be able to see it, like I missed my chance at Hamilton, even though it has been to Houston on the road.
I have to laugh when I hear politicians claiming that they are going to "create jobs," during their campaigns to great cheers. From their viewpoints, especially Donald Trump, they keep looking backward into what was supposedly the United States's great industrial age, fueled largely by two terribly destructive and deadly wars. Automation and outsourcing are rapidly removing jobs from peoples' hands regardless of their background. High-paying jobs are disappearing at a more rapid rate, especially skilled factory work. What is left are boring or stressful jobs in call centers or sales jobs in a local marketplace that is rapidly disappearing as more more people buy on the Internet. The need for government work increases, with good jobs that are more stable and have good benefits, but politicians want to remove those like the Post Office and public schools in favor of cutthroat privatization.
It seems that art always helps us understand why we are the way we are. And why we can't seem to progress favoring our differences our similarities.
Ron
The Purists Ponders Questions of Race & Sexual Identity (Article) - 9/21/2019 12:43:14 PM
Another great article and review of a subject so in need of being revealed these days. The more we know the less ignorant we will be. It is the arts that always precedes societal change. Maybe one day like Martin Luther King hoped, we'll see each other as individuals and not stereotypes.
Ron
Company One Theatre presents VIETGONE (Article) - 5/5/2019 8:57:14 AM
It's good to see your superlative writing again. And I was particularly interested in VIETGONE, because my partner came out of that 1975 turmoil, but was fortunate not to have endured a refugee camp like her brother did who sponsored her here. She thoroughly enjoyed watching Miss Saigon when it came to Houston a few years ago and is returning soon this year. We will be looking forward to VIETGONE when it plays in Houston. I'm sure the play will come here because of the large Vietnamese-American population here.
Ron
Why We Still Need Black History Month (Article) - 2/18/2019 9:06:54 AM
Thank you for this very thorough and informative article on why there should be a Black History Month. I believe the month is more important for African-Americans than it is for the rest of the citizenry. We all have our ethnic heritage and we tend to focus on heritage that relates to us more than to others. Young African-Americans get little history in school or from their peers and parents. The focus of a month on the accomplishments of African-Americans is one way for them to discover history and enjoy it the way that I do. If we just let the mainstream media with movies and documentaries bringing to life the reality of the African-American experience, and the viewers do not go there, that history will eventually be lost and fade from thought.
The new Museum of African History in Washington DC, gives African-Americans a monument to African-American experience and accomplishment that they can visit along with the other monuments in the city like the Martin Luther King Memorial.
Ron
Marriage Under Fire in “A Doll’s House Part 2” at the Huntington Theater (Article) - 1/26/2019 10:40:44 AM
Another thorough and brilliantly written review. I vaguely remember having read Ibsen's, A Doll's House or seen the play, but I don't remember any details. From what you have written, it looks like Lucas Hnath has written a very timely sequel to the classic in Part 2.
Ron
A Reflection on the Christmas Season (Article) - 12/24/2018 3:48:22 AM
Jesus loves you. There will be governments big and small. Jesus dealt with the Romans and he did not fall. If you are left or right as long as you follow the Bible according to Jesus it does not matter at all. Amen
Gay Boxing Champ Fights for Redemption in “Man in the Ring” (Article) - 12/21/2018 9:45:33 AM
You never cease to amaze me with your words. In this review of Man in the Ring, a play about Emile Griffith, a boxer of some renown that I never heard of, you show your passion for the arts in a splendid way.
My father was in the Golden Gloves competition in the late 1930s and was an avid fan of boxing. When we got television in the mid-1950s, we watched a lot of old movies of boxing with Jack Dempsey, Joe Lewis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Rocky Marciano as the billed stars that the announcers always focused on. Emile Griffith may have been one of those unsung opponents whose names slipped from my, and my father's thoughts and memories.
While outrageous gay artists like Liberace and rumored gay stars like Katherine Hepburn, received fame and fortune, many like Griffith were swept under the rug until now.
Ron
The Niceties” Challenges Racial Power Structure & Encourages Dialogue (Article) - 9/29/2018 12:06:37 PM
While I have not heard of the play "The Niceties," you certainly have schooled me about it with your exceptionally well analyzed and written article.
I think many white folks have not fully understood the "Black Lives Matter" movement that is finally getting at the underlying visages of Jim Crow that persist in American society. The spillover and benefit has come upon women who only in the 20th century even got the right to vote. That the conflict in The Niceties is between two women, is appropriate for the times. The article is appropriate for what is happening during Supreme Court appointments today.
You start out with the professor being called, Janine, and end with her becoming Janice. Perhaps an oversight that often happens to be with this voice dictation system. ;-)
Ron
Grammy Winner Bebe Winans Was “Born For This” at the Majestic Theatre (Article) - 6/27/2018 11:24:34 AM
I have not heard of Bebe Winans, but your detailed and clear description of the play and the characters has brought her to life for me, even though I may never get to see Born for This. I want to thank you for pointing out all the social injustices that Bebe faced in her life. The kind of thing that befalls many who rise from poverty to wealth and recognition.
We all remember Whitney Houston and what a great while she was. Seems like time reminded every day with songs being sung on television that she made famous. Kevin Costner, while promoting his new television epic, Yellowstone, remarked that he considers The Guardian, with Whitney to be one of his best works.
Ron
Arthur Miller’s Moral Dilemma Plays Out at the BCA in Fall (Article) - 6/7/2018 9:34:28 AM
It's been a long time since I have seen a play and also a long time since I've read such a wonderful review of a play. As I read I kept thinking… Marilyn Monroe. But after I read Miller's Wikipedia biography I learned that the play was mostly about his last marriage in the "fall" of his life and the trouble we had with dealing with a son that had Down syndrome.
At that time I was struggling to recover from my own disability and being summarily left out of parts of my family's and friends social activities. In a psychology class, I was given a little book in paperback that I still have somewhere, Stigma.
Keep posting your wonderful work for us to read.
Ron
America's Rapper: Shea Rose (Article) - 1/13/2018 1:17:23 PM
I haven't heard of Shea Rose. But then, I haven't been following music like you apparently have. And, I have not been fond of rap or hip-hop. It certainly isn't as big as it used to be, and artists of some note have drifted away from those roots, like Queen Latifah has.
Your writing remain super with lines like, "… her oeuvre are drenched in heartache, righteous anger, and communal frustration mitigated by a subtext of humanitarianism, hope and inspiration."
And, our president once again revealed his ignorance by dissing Haiti the other day. What a shame. There should be a requirement that our presidents be educated.
Ron
A Reflection on the Christmas Season (Article) - 12/16/2017 10:04:29 AM
In the age of Trumpism, so many have succumbed to personal desires and secretive hatred without even knowing it. So many are like the people of Germany during the time of Hitler, sucked in by simplistic solutions to complex problems that are better dealt with by inclusion and equity than cut and dry exclusion and inequity.
As usual, your pen is both eloquent and all-encompassing. I am not a Christian and don't believe that God in the many forms described, exists. However I welcome Christmas, like you, as a time when we can relax in our bounty before winter finishes, take time to connect with friends and family, and be generous, as much as we can, for our fellow humans, regardless of who they are.
Ron
A Reflection on the Christmas Season (Article) - 12/15/2017 5:56:44 AM
In this age of divisiveness and division, the spirit of unity amid our differences that you proclaim is most admirable and most necessary to remember during this holy season. Thank you for posting this remarkable, timely message "in the age of Trumpism."
Press Release Opportunity for Free Book (Article) - 8/24/2017 6:50:40 AM
Would love to, Jacques, but I've already promised to many that I would read and review their books when I don't have the time. Maybe later.
Your writing is very good and I believe that you will garner quite a few reviewers from this article.
Ron
America: There Can Be Unity in Diversity (Article) - 8/20/2017 5:58:36 AM
Once again, you have written an eloquent and well thought out article on the state of affairs in this country. The last time I protested openly for civil rights was in the 1960s. Fortunately, as a college student, I was thrust into a situation where I stayed in the home of a black family of considerable education, wealth and status and got to talk with, in a small room, with adamant black graduate students, who like you, expressed openly their outrage about how they were being treated in a very educated way.
Finally, I listened to a speech by Martin Luther King from a balcony not 40 feet away from him with his bodyguards close on either side when he talked of "not getting there in my lifetime," but that, "we will get there." MLK sold me on what makes us all great… Acceptance. And recently, I watched the documentary LA 82 and realized that the turmoil of our time is now much less than when Rodney King had to cry out, "Can't we all just get along?"
In my 35 years of working in black higher education, I observed one thing very clearly. Color mattered. Blacks seem to have and use many terms for variations in color that would take a whole article to go into. But the upshot is that there is discrimination by color prevalent in institutions that are predominantly black. Like beauty and stature, color matters when it comes to achieving higher pay and leadership. It's psychological, simply coming from night and day where light is good and dark is bad. I think we will get over it when intermarriage makes most people a pleasant shade of brown. At least I hope so… Opposites still do attract.
Ron
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Stuff (Article) - 6/11/2017 5:51:14 AM
I find your writing to be refreshingly intelligent and excellent. I hope you get more comments than mine. You certainly deserve it for your good work.
Your article applies to more than just immigrants from poor countries to the United States. In a broader sense, it covers why many Americans can't seem to make it in a "trickle-down" economy--stuff.
During my doctoral studies, I learned about a study by Bandura. He came up with a satisfaction scale. Many of our obsessions, like Tolstoy wrote, result from misplaced understanding of what it means to be happy. Material wealth, and even wage increases, are like lunch, he described. We eat lunch one day, but by the next day, we are hungry again, unsatisfied, and have to eat lunch again. We may even want to increase the quantity or quality of the next lunch. Still unsatisfied the next day when we still need to eat lunch.
I grew up in the fabulous 50s in America when depression and war depressed people sought to leave their depression behind with prosperity and stuff. My mother was very conservative coming from a poor, farming subsistence. My father always wanted the latest things and bought them for us along with many cars, making us "car poor", only because he had relatively good work as a truck driver.
I chose my mother's approach to careful spending and saving what I made, investing it in a college education. I bought $100 used cars and no more than I could carry in my car until I was in my mid-20s and then, bought land and a house even though I didn't furnish it because it came furnished with old (antique?) furniture and appliances. Serviceable but not fashionable. I still have that furniture, buying very little with no need to keep up with the trends.
I came in contact with many students from many countries. For the most part, their educations got them good jobs and they spent their money wisely. Many obtained wealth in one generation--very laudable. However, recently, listening to my partner, I have found that some immigrants found wealth very quickly through hard work. But then, they overindulged in luxuries, got hooked on drugs or gambling, or became dependent upon a wealthy spouse for their excess. Invariably, these people have little or no education to fall back on.
Ron
Innocence Lost in James Joyce’s “Araby” & Ernest Hemingway’s “Indian Camp (Article) - 4/6/2017 7:28:54 AM
I have not read either story but I can see from your detailed analysis Joyce and Hemingway's stories have great significance regarding moving from adolescence to adulthood. I agree with you that the less supervision that a child has, the quicker they will grow up. Everyone must experience on their own without someone to back them up in order to start making sound decisions on their own.
Ron
Why We Still Need Black History Month (Article) - 2/2/2017 10:37:41 AM
It is wonderful to read what you have to say about this subject showing such knowledge and resolve. Everyone who questions Black History Month should read your highly persuasive article.
I put it this way. We tend to be bipolar: light and white is good and dark and black is bad. Psychologists have proved this by working with young children who are supposedly innocent and have no inclination one way or another. Invariably, even black toddlers prefer whiteness over blackness. It is innate in us and has to be constantly, and consciously, overcome if we are to move ahead as a single human race.
For example, the idea that "one drop of African blood" places one has been from Africa is entirely ridiculous. Barack Obama is considered to be African-American (black) even though half of his genetic makeup is Midwestern American. In his case, his Midwestern upbringing combined with the brilliance of his African father, resulted in someone who could reach almost everybody, similar to Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and others with charisma that made their color unimportant.
So, once we overcome the idea that dark or black is bad, and accepted as merely the absence of white light and absolutely necessary in our multicolored world (what would be do without night?), We all will be much better off.
I wholeheartedly agree that Black history should be part of what every child's education and that every curriculum and textbook should be free of any racial slant or whitewashed history.
Ron
How Haiti Won Its Place in Black History (Article) - 1/16/2017 8:47:29 AM
Thank you for the update on Haiti's progress since the earthquake. When I get a chance, I will have to see if I can view Egalite For All: Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution.
It dismays me that so many countries that have overthrown colonial rule and set about to become democracies have subsequently succumbed to dictatorships. So much waste of human potential, resources and wealth. The sooner we remove the stigma of skin color from the earth, the better.
Ron
'Tis the Season to be Jolly (Article) - 12/22/2016 3:30:11 AM
Ron,
Thank you for your kind words of praise for my work on "Tis the Season to be Jolly. I feel encouraged and inspired.
'Tis the Season to be Jolly (Article) - 12/20/2016 8:04:08 AM
An extremely well-written view of what Christmas means for us all I particularly like the words of Rumi. But your words are also worth reading. I hope others, in plenty, do.
Ron
Ramblings In Trump Era America (Poetry) - 1/1/2022 9:31:53 AM
Some powerful (and realistic and true) philosophical statements in my estimation, Jacques. It is hard to believe that you wrote this three years ago already. Thank you for sharing your views. Love, peace, and best wishes to you,
Regis. 🍁
Ramblings In Trump Era America (Poetry) - 10/22/2018 10:55:52 AM
Quite a tirade of prose and poetry of the state of the United States in the early 21st century. I thought we would be beyond all that, but it has come back to haunt us. I was enthralled with every word. Your scholarship and writing ability are far above the average. Really worth paying attention to.
A true story: In 1984, a new house was being finished next door to ours in our development. It was a time of some unrest in Haiti and there were a number of Haitian refugees who came to this country. When my wife asked me if anyone had bought the house next door, as a joke, I told her, "a family of eight Haitians. She was aghast. You had to have seen the look on her face. We divorced three years later over similar disagreements although we generally got along quite well.
A northerner from Minnesota and his new bride from Dallas moved in with my wife's delight. We never connected with them socially. They didn't have any children and divorced a few years later.
Ron
A Goddess Intervenes: An Ode to All Women & The Anima Figure in All Men (Poetry) - 3/9/2018 7:33:19 PM
"She opens her mouth and blows a hue of winter,
but sometimes she opens her mouth and blows a hue of summer."
That pretty much sums it up in a few well-chosen words. Some fine imagery here to enhance the poem and the tribute.
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 3/2/2018 9:15:53 AM
Salutations to Poet Jacques S. Fleury.
Peace, Wisdom, Courage and Bliss.
"Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism" is by all of its contents a powerful strike on the doors of Justice. The courageous author painted his vision, and suggested understanding and consciousness of our historic and present social reality.
The mentioning of Author James Baldwin did put a question in my mind, and a vision was created leading me on a historic reminiscing.
When people talk about America, Her Freedom, and Her Democracy; and racism on colors and discrimination, I ponder to ask them if they know ~ why, and who gave the name of America to this Country of ours; ~ if they know what was/Is "The Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition"; and finally, who gave the consent for the abduction and kidnapping of people from Africa to sold into slavery.
If we search through all the societies that claim to be in defence of any color, we will find that the names that they use in their colors are names that originally were given by K.K.K. and their subsidiaries affiliated with the "The Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition".
There is an axiom: "Know the cause of the illness, and you will be able to apply the proper medicine."
I know this: "When we understand that we are the Human Race, there will be no place on Earth for Eris and Ares." (Myself).
By using the same jurisprudence that are used against the "Geheime Staatspolizei, Gestapo, one can sue the entities that supported the slave trade.
KKK is only one of the many agencies of "The Holy Tribunal of Inquisition".
Before anybody from any medical society in the Roman Empire, a descendant of slave performed the first major open heart surgery in America.
Please, keep fueling the wings of Your Quill, and let the world know that it soars safely ~ blown by winds of reality, and aesthetical light.
In reverent appreciation,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 1/27/2018 9:54:29 PM
I am a Big fan of Dr. Ben Carson and all he achieved saving so many lives. I voted for him. I was never a big fan of Barrack Obama but I think he was a great orator. We all have our gifts. All lives matter. But I grew up in a black, white, and yellow world so I understand that. I still write to my Puerto Rican, white, and black friends I went to public school with. We have been friends for over 50 years! Differences in color and nationality are what makes life interesting. Our church is like that. I go to a very diverse church because I know that's what Heaven is going to be like. Yes, our church is the closest thing to Heaven I could find. Next week I am holding a special Writers club meeting especially for a very talented and beautiful black lady that is writing a prayer journal for our youth. She picked me to edit her book. I am so very honored to do so. It will touch the lives of many youths who need hope and direction. That's my purpose. To help change this world for the better, one word at a time. All lives matter, as for color, I am not blind but I am so grateful the Lord made us diverse as it's a blessing and not a curse. In His eyes, all of us matter. I Praise Him for giving me such wisdom. Amen
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 1/24/2018 2:29:50 AM
I think you should run for President, you'd do a dam good job, you got heart and honesty, and a killing smile by the way. Keep the light burning dear poet. ps. I will use your line " In the absence of Light, look closer and you will see a spark!" Jacques Fleury. I assume
you wrote this quote, I wish to write a poem using this as my quote, with your blessing of course. Let me know, I will then post it on the site. Thanks for your comment my page, you just brightened my day by a few watts and a yard, Love and Light, Mystic R.
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 12:58:40 PM
Throughout his relatively peaceful and progressive presidency, I was appalled when I found that so many opposed Barack Obama, not because of his progressive ways, but because of his color. Yes, they tried to disguise it by blaming Obamacare or some other action that he was engaged in, but it was the hatred that came through their expression that bothered me most. It's one thing to hate an unjust law or regulation, it's another to hate the person promoting it for the way they look.
Since people of color have arrived on this continent, they have been killed in a much greater rate than their fair skinned European counterparts. Recently it's been from altercations that come from the inordinately greater vehicle pullovers by police for suspicion. And the knee-jerk lethal reaction to any suspicious movement by people of color as an attack. That's how Black Lives Matter got started. Young black men in this country have been dying at a far greater rate than their contemporaries of fairer skin for a very long time, and it is time that it stops.
I am white. But the proportion of times while driving or riding with a colored person that I was pulled over was much greater then when not.
Ron
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 8:54:31 AM
Greetings Michael,
I wanted to take this time to thank you for your review of my poem "Chain Letter To America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism" and to clarify that I also agree that All Lives Matter. However, racism dictates that Black Lives Matter less and White Lives Matter more hence why the movement exists. Like you, I too hope that in the future, we won't need to espouse these undignified phrases to affirm what we should ALL already know: the inherent worth of all human life.
In Peace and Harmony,
Jacques Fleury
Chain Letter to America: The One Thing You Can Do To End Racism (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 7:26:06 AM
Being white, I can't begin to imagine what it's like to be black and what a black person has to go through and endure. I agree with you completely, but would add, all lives matter. We need to have respect and love for our fellow man. Period. And I hope we can get to that point sooner rather than later.
Harbinger of Dawn (Poetry) - 12/7/2017 10:00:15 PM
One feels the passion; one feels the yearning through some remarkable images and feelings of desire in this remarkable poem. The passion of love is not as easy as it may seem. Well done.
The Seething Sage (Poetry) - 11/11/2017 2:38:57 PM
to walk the path of light
The Seething Sage (Poetry) - 11/11/2017 10:42:18 AM
I thought for a moment you are writing about Sage Sweetwater's seething poems of late.
But then I realized that you were perfectly describing the purity of philosophy that is Buddhist and far ahead of many forms of contemplation. I think the Dalai Lama and the Pope are on this track right now. Thanks for reporting it in such an informative and beautiful way.
Ron
The Seething Sage (Poetry) - 11/9/2017 9:21:16 PM
Pure contemplation in a poem. Thoughts on the world, what it might be, what it could be, all through the eyes of the Buddha. I'll tuck this away for later.
House By The Lake (Poetry) - 10/3/2017 8:51:50 AM
My parents had a "house by a lake." It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever been.
I think your poem is a metaphor for refugees from all kinds of calamities trying to find a safe place, a calm place in their life where they can rest and think of the life around them.
Unfortunately, quickly thrown up shelters providing basic food and water without much privacy, peace and calm for sleeping is no, "House by a lake," by any means.
Ron
House By The Lake (Poetry) - 10/2/2017 8:19:17 PM
I like the way you open the poem, full of poignant, evocative imagery that all blends into the invocation of serenity for all those who need it. A fine poem.
Awakening (Poetry) - 9/14/2017 7:53:51 PM
A poem-full of insights. Extraordinary. John
Awakening (Poetry) - 9/14/2017 10:12:03 AM
I feel the pulse of your heart beat and the eyes of the poet that rivets the sun and the special coves where hope lives. Thanks for sharing your mind xo
Awakening (Poetry) - 9/14/2017 7:22:00 AM
You really said a load in this broadly sweeping exposé of modern life awakening. Kudos!
Ron
Serendipitous Encounter (Poetry) - 7/14/2017 8:50:49 AM
A Serendipitous Encounter on Steroids! Well done Jacques!
Serendipitous Encounter (Poetry) - 7/12/2017 5:35:51 AM
So beautifully rendered that I savored each line of this poem of regret. You certainly know how to tease the meaning out of your words with wonderful adjectives, similes and metaphors. I can't help thinking that you have experienced the bracing breath of winter, far from your tropical birthplace, in order to write like this about the coldness of the brushoff you received from your misstep with a prize unfulfilled.
And, yes, I have experienced a sleepless night or two for having made a faux pas with someone that I cared about.
Ron
Coming Home (Poetry) - 5/13/2017 8:03:51 AM
Wow! A tirade filled with joy and longing for everything that is human in us and needs to be bursting forth. Thoroughly enjoyed your wordsmithing and thought-provoking done here.
Ron
Coming Home (Poetry) - 5/12/2017 5:04:13 PM
You are well on your way back with lines like "have my cliche and eat it too." I once referred to myself as the "great haranguer," but gave it up when I discovered the Wizard of Id was using it. Looking forward to more of your work.
Nature (Poetry) - 4/12/2017 11:54:44 AM
Sadness, beauty and resilience...all combined to produce this wonderful poem...
Truly inspirational of the world of Nature....
Diana...
Nature (Poetry) - 3/8/2017 2:37:16 PM
The dirge of song birds, how nicely you pen beauty, it's astounding dear Jacques, I truly enjoyed your poetry this evening thank you
Nature (Poetry) - 3/5/2017 8:44:32 AM
Inspiring words about the harshness and beauty of nature all around us. The sooner we identify as a part of nature, the better.
Ron
Nature (Poetry) - 3/2/2017 8:12:36 AM
Had me thinking early on about a woman being beaten down until "then there came the tree slayers." Ahhh, a light shinned bright within my head, Loved the way you ended this poem.
To Be A Happy Man (Poetry) - 12/21/2016 7:36:18 AM
There is no greater happiness than helping someone in need.
Ron
To Be A Happy Man (Poetry) - 12/20/2016 6:07:03 AM
Help someone else, and you help yourself.
Michael D.
