southern day
before i was
a concept
in my parents
dreams
you lived
the learning
of
sunday mornings
singing praise
in rhythm
the likes of me
would not hear
or comprehend
for many years
songs
of burdened souls
rejoicing unbroken
i am a child of God
i can make a difference
preachers words
planting seeds
that would make
history stop
and take a look
wicked tired
from life
you sat unmoved
still small voice
ringing in your
spirit's ear
i am a child of God
i can make a difference
No clammer
No riot
No rebellious indications
even when
they threatened
seat police
you may do so
was your
only resistance
you stayed your ground
in
uncertain circumstance
opening the way
for a nation
to follow suit
and say
i am a child of God
i can make a difference.
Author notes
i am a child of God
i can make a difference
A tribute to Rosa Parks
Written November 3rd, 2005
In a list
- Random Words and Other Social Statements • next in list
- Gold on The Mantle • next in list
- Conviction • next in list
What did you think
Comments
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Nice, in need of p-tation
As mentioned above, a little punctuation would go a long way. Punctuationless poetry can be effective, but it shouldn't have quotations or possessive nouns in it. One critic pointed out in one of my poems how one list of words was separated by commas, while another list wasn't. In my mind's eye, I wanted verbal pauses between the one list and not in the other. In retrospect it was kind of a nonsensical notion and I should have punk-sha-tated everything. -
Awesome!
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Carry on, you are making a difference
What can I say bbut wow? -
Well written
Really well written. The imagery and the way the chosen words flow toghether make for a very dramatic piece. Yes... Strikes the readers heart -
thank you thank you so much for writing a poem i tribute to Mama Rosa, it is of people like her that you know there is still some good in the world, i was really sad when i heard she passed away, but she did her work in the world and stood for not only humans in America but hear in South Africa as well we were very inspired by her courage.
i hope she's an angel now, who constantly watches over us and helps us gather courage if anyone violates our rights as humans us.
Go Mama rosa go
Edited on Nov 23, 2:20 because ''. -
What a message this poem gives. The words have such meaning, good job putting them together!
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I think "clammer" should be "clamour", unless that's an American form that I don't know. I didn't understand why "God" and "No" got the only capitals in the piece. Also a couple of missed apostrophes. Otherwise, a fine poem, with great clarity of expression.
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Suberb
A glowing tribute to a fine lady. Not born with a silver spoon in her mouth or a person of influence, she nevertheless DID influence the course of a nation with her quiet convictions. "I can made a difference" those words should be an inspiration to all. I'm so glad she lived to see many of those dreams of making a difference come true! Your words powerfully and succinctly describe a revered woman whose bravery and heart exceeds many of the so called "heroes" of our time. This is a finely crafted work and you have every right to be proud of it. I stand in awe of your talent
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Very good. I liked the way you expressed yourself here.
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awesome
so awesome!! what an inspiring poem. you did a bang-up job on this...most dedication poems would be cheesy or maudlin, but this one was just strong and straight to the point, without being pushy. Wonderful. -
This is a very nice write for a wonderful a heroic spirit. It just goes to show that no matter what race, age, gender, creed, etc... one person can make a difference to this world and to others. It was this woman's character and beliefs that helped fuel a fire that changed this world. It has stood the test of time. And, now it should be up to this generation to help keep the power and the torch going. We should honor these people that gave their time, and energy, and just sometimes their lives by trying to make this world a better place instead of destroying it with wars and hatred. These people wanted peace and equality. We should stand up as one, and march forward instead of fighting each other. Hopefully someday, we will.
That's my dream.
-Tamara
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bravo
this is so soft spoken but the power behind it is just MARVELLOUS now only if certain ppl would get their heads out of their asses then maybe we all can look forward to a brighter life and future.
Keep speaking like it is
Rae -
good job
Great poem. I see your cheering section agrees with me.
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bravo
this is so soft spoken but the power behind it is just MARVELLOUS now only if certain ppl would get their heads out of their asses then maybe we all can look forward to a brighter life and future
Rae -
Well written
Though, I do not agree with what Rosa Parks did, I do like this poem. It is written with love, which is something to respect and it is written well. I love how short the lines are, yet they are clear on how you feel. Very good. Keep it up. -
this was a beautiful piece i loved it.
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A Lovely tribute for a lady who took a stand one day and became a legendary figure in the pages of history.
~
~ Sincerely, Janet ~
~
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Well crafted, thought out....excellent piece. This is a historical document.
~Brandi~ -
Sweet and Powerful
Fantastic. I think it captures the spirit of Rosa Parks (though I never knew her) and the Civil Rights movement beautiful. Very well done indeed. -
awesome
this is a great tribute to a woman who did so much just for standing (or should i say sitting) up for herself.. well done i love it. thank you much for sharing your words with me.. awesome -
uncertain circumstance
opening the way
for a nation
to follow suit
and say
i am a child of God
i can make a difference.
We all make a difference. Right, wrong or indifferent, we affect change. Let's hope more often than not we take the example of this simple , courageous woman and affect a significant change and become symbols to ourselves and our children of how, who and why we should be better than we thought possible. An amazingly well done poem and you should be proud to stand for this woman, this moment and for yourself with such beautiful wording.
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I like the "I can make a difference attitude". It carries such an empowering feeling. Your poem was very inspiring and a pleasure to read.
♥ Touchof1der -
Oh I am so happy I finally "clicked" on this poem. The name of it backed me off a bit... BUT I decided to click and take some of your precious points when I saw the note that it's spiritual. I LOVE IT!!!! It is soooooo nice!!!! I especially like the last line! I love it!!! Go, go, go!!! Makes me think I better get going again in making a change...
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Memory
Rosa Parks worked hard for what she believed in - the right to be equal. She never abused freedom or wanted anything more than liberty for herself and others. Many forget kindness and remember manipulation. Why? Ever less has the value of integrity, promises, and neighbourly affection become. If we trully believe that freedom is where the Spirit of God is, then we will walk beside God.
Thank you for considering the ability to do the right thing, always. Rosa Parks did too.
Only God Is Free
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Oh and I forgot to applaud you! Well Done!
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This is beautifully written, no honestly this sincerely touched my heart. It not only captures Rosa Parks well but it gives a sort of hope and light to all sorts of people to make a difference in any small way. Im in a very reflective and spiritual mood nowadays that this could only add to that. Im truly inspired, thank you!
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Nice poem really good I love the Christianm views you have a strong Faith or you sound like you have.
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Very great structure, though you may want to go through and capitalize your "i's." Other than that, this poem was very well written, with much passion and power in it; great job, poet. Keep it up.
Hugs
Jess -
I agree with the comments, this would make an excellent song! I'd love to hear this turned into a song, I can almost hear it in my head already!
I think it is wonderfully written, and really emotive.
It was a really good piece to read.
I especially liked the lines:
"No clammer
No riot
No rebellious indications"
As i think that is really touching and calming.
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Great Tribute
This is great! I agree with everything that's has been said already. - Harper -
I really like this. I think it's a wonderful tribute to Rosa Parks and her life. "I can make a difference" is probably the most influential line in the piece. Great job!
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Another good poem, well constructed and thoughtful. I echo the comments on the repetition and the inspiration to all of us to make a difference. vic
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What a tribute. This is a beautiful herald and encouragement to all of us...we never know the difference we can make unless we try. The only true failure is never even trying to begin with.
Bravo to you, this is a wonderfully written write....bekah
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She said " I did not get on the bus to get arrested, I got on the bus to go home"... I've always grown up with a sense of Pride in thinking it is the simple smaller people who do make a impact. Because of Rosa Parks.
What a beautiful compelling write.
Take Care and Happy Thanksgiving, Whisper -
beautiful
this is an excellent work of art. i really enjoyed reading it and it was a great topice to wirte on. not too many people are up to the challenge. -
OMG. Thank you so much for the trophy. This was such a very significant write for me. I wrote it after watching bits and pieces of the memorials on TV and becoming reaquainted with the history. How many times do we think that we are too small to count for much in the big picture? The fact that, with the attitudes of those days, she had reason to feel that way, but she simply did what she could, is a great lesson for all of us. I don't expect my little seemingly insignificant self to cause an entire shift in history, but she is proof possitive that any little thing I do has an impact somewhere. She takes away my excuses for not acting
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I agree with TooRainbow ahead of me, the refrain "I am a child of God, I can make a difference" sets the rhythmic tone of this poem which also creates a perfect mood for a song. This even has a spiritual quality to it, the likes of which many of us young people could never fully grasp or appreciate. This spoke to me in a way that none of the other poems before you have--the refrain I pointed out earlier has sunken into my soul. I will take that piece and make it a part of me, and it should very well be a motto of anyone who sets out, intentionally or not, to change the world.
I am a child of God. I can make a difference.
I love this! Thanks for entering, and the best of luck to you!
Many blessings,
Raven Aurora
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Wonderful tribute. Musical, I could almost here it sung!
Edited on Nov 05, 8:48 p.m. because 'TYPO'. -
Thanks so much for the comments. I am glad that it struck a chord. I hope it is one of those pieces that continues to speak after the contest is over
.
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Oh Thistle, this would make a beautiful song!! It's already got the makings of a great chorus. What an outstanding write! Thank you so much for posting it. It's so simple but strong. It's a wonderful tribute to the contribution of Rosa Parks to the civil rights movement. You go, girl! Two hands together!!

























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