Why John Newton cried
I don't want crowns
but dream to play
magic thrones and gowns
away from slavery's sway.
Yet, my uncle's poem
said God is God
and in his tome
child safety God nods.
My wings have lights
following my heart's desire
blinking inside freedom's night
with one tear expires.
I cannot be brought
to do more than
even as I ought
beyond what God plans.
Yet, somewhere I read
John Newton's Amazing Grace
anti-slavery poem once led
to slavery's popular disgrace.
Like me, he needed
somehow to take hits
and obeying God proceeded
walking bit by bit.
Were Christ walking now
would he visit museums
or lecture us how
slavery transcended the aeons.
I protest slavery's scene
to save one child
not to be seen
or party buck wild.
But, I'm one girl
who like preacher Newton
in this big world
has accepted faith's atom.
To keep from slipping
Newton wrote poetry, listened
to slavery's pain dripping
as his poetry rechristened.
Iohagh
Janet McCall
Author notes
Darlings
I noticed after a halt slavery demonstration recently that the demonstrators disagreed about tactics and I cried stop. When they looked at me, I said, Whether you believe in God, or not, let us sing John Newton's Amazing Grace for the faith to walk forward into the darkness to save one more child. One African woman, protesting Darfur, who was one of the most vocal debaters in acapela led us to tears. You really don't know what one poem can do unless you read the Song of Solomon and what David sang. Maybe as Churchill said, There is power in a well turned word but also I believe that power is grace and magic to reverse the unreversable.
Smoosh
Janet
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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I believe Amazing Grace is a song beyond its words. No matter how many times I hear it, I am still moved to tears. To give up slave trading and the write one of the most incredible testaments to God's grace & willingness to forgive has made Johon Newton a shining example of how God can work in your life ... despite your own actions.
You have penned a moving poem here.
Thank you for teaching others about the miracle of John's Newton's famous poem.
I also commend you for your actions at the demonstration ... reminding people what they were really there for, not tactical superiority, but to save the dying. I too believe there is great power in words, and as you said "There is power in a well turned word ... that power is grace and magic to reverse the unreversable."
Thank you again for sharing these eloquent thoughts.
....JustBreathe
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The one who speaks
Martin Luther King was also one that by some mystery moved his people , " I have a dream" He said, and
somehow these words became something greater than words, they became a mystery of freedom.
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great write
Slavery of any type is totally unacceptable. I am proud of the work you are doing, and Amazing Grace is a beautiful hymn. God can work miracles, and you are one of his angels.
Ethereal Melody 
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bravo
Dear poet, u have a big heart. Your cause, i love it so much. Keep it up. I will support u with all i have. Good day
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So true! It feels right.
I read a book with slave dialogues about their lives and it seemed to me a person could write poems against slavery, whether it be past slavery or slavery taking place now. Simple songs or poems that are easy to remember and repeat.
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This is a beautifully written awareness write. Very emotional and deep. The flow is wonderful and the word choice is great. It is heart wrenching and amazing what one person can do if they put their mind to it. "One person, one step at a time, can make a difference".
Best to you!
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I can not think of anything to say that has not been said already. This is a thought provoking poem. Your commitment to this cause is evident in your words and in your additional comments. It is a sad fact that there are many people working as slaves in this world still. Even sadder - some of them are in North America. That is tragic. Many years ago now I worked with church groups helping Refugees and new immigrants as well as with some Anti Poverty groups. I married and moved around a lot and had a family. I am once again in a position to spend more time on these issues. They are interconnected. Thanks for the poem - for the reminder that one person does make a difference.
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I also believe words have power...and Amazing Grace is the one song I'm aware of that is known, in English, or not...all around the world...I wonder if Newton ever imagined the scope his words would span.
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Words released my soul...
Darling
Unlike slave captain Newton
I was once enslaved
finding my sought freedom
in freedom's words paved.
Smoosh
Janet
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forgive my naivete? - it has the powerful feel of rap..sort of in-your-face..think about this...disturbing..yet.the ability to make change through the power of words..unmistakeable imagery.
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Well I'm 26 until Xmas and own a bar too. LOL...
Darling
Rap is a compliment
although I'm, well, white
in your face content
your response so delights.
Smoosh
Janet
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Fabulous
This is a fabulous poem. I enjoyed reading it. It put faith into life. You painted it so well with emotion and depth. I enjoyed it so very much. Keep writing. I love it.
Tabitha
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Tabitha
We are like co-joined
paying this toll by
hearts releasing traveler's coins
from Samaritans who cry.
Smoosh
Janet
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A message from an angel
Without people like you what hope would these children have? As with John Newton you are driven by a powerful force. Keep writing and reminding people that something must change. Hugs Kath
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A well thought out, and composed piece. John Newton's story, of why he came to write 'Amazing Grace,' is, indeed, awesome. He was, truly, a wicked man, dealing in slave trading, but after finding the Lord, his life was changed completely, and was then used to write one of the most beautiful, and enduring hymns of all time. A lovey poem!
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i appreciate your passion on this theme......I'd like your response to my poem "cruel sleep" ...my "crying out" for a "reversal"
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Well done.
We may dream grand dreams of a world without war, or pain, or poverty, or slavery, but those dreams could only become reality if we could somehow change the fallen nature of man. John Newton only came to realize the horror of his great sin through God's amazing grace. Each of us must seek that same grace, then speak out in boldness against the evil of slavery,war and oppression of all kinds. We must be willing to stand in the breach, never retreating from what is right, no matter how great the consequence.Beyond that point, the rest is in God's hands. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much
I read your page and I understand my dear reverend you have been through a lot to glorify God, or should I say minister. I see you know a lot about my poet hero Anglican Preacher John Newton. Still, I have something for you and your wife for a romantic write in my "Drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy is dry." I took the title from My my American Pie and I hope I haven't insulted you. I found there were not a lot of love poems for people over 45 and most of the people I love the most are over 50 so have a look. Who knows maybe you might even drive your car to the levy and look at the stars with your bride.
http://allpoetry.com/contest/2334169
Smooshes my darling minister and God bless. Janet -
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Yes, I have been through some difficult times in the last year, but my cancer is in remission and I am regaining more and more strength every day.You are also correct about my knowledge of John Newton. I too am a fan of his. His was an amazing journey, from captain of a slave ship to a minister of the gospel. Many may not know that "Amazing Grace" was originally written as a poem with 23 verses, but the verses we still sing remain a powerful reminder of God's amazing grace. I promise I will take the time to view more of your poetry. If you are so inclined, please read my humble work as well.
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This poem seems to be interested in preserving what is right instead of the good life. It's searching for new solutions to an age-old problem.
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So very true, his amazing grace is there if we can accept it. Dear Iohagh you keep fighting the good fight and eventually truth will out and we shall all see the wisdom of your light. Smoosh back at you!
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Newton was a slave trader convicted by the Holy Spirit of his sin, he found freedom for himself in Christ. Jesus does desire men to be free. Just like the Amazing Grace, he offered Newton he offers us.
Wonderful tribute and message from an old hymn. Appropriate modern day application.
May Christ's Amazing Grace set all of us free. -
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Tactics.....
Actually it will take numerous different tactics to lessen child slavery and abuse. Instead of arguing over 'whos' tactics to pursue or 'which; would be best someone...hint-hint...needs to have them submit their ideas and tactics to one site and develop a format to sort through and agree to which ones might work best for it will not be just 'one', it shall be many and the best ideas may well be initial ideas that will be morphed from such discussions. It will NOT be an easy task as the task master of such must maintain order and not allow the whackos to gain the upper hand in discussions. "how" to do this??? that si the question, 'follow through' is essential
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Heartfelt
A lovely heartfelt write and message dearest sister. Good flow and tone. Deep expression of emotion. Very nice word choice. Your words touch my heart deeply. Sis
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FANTASTIC
Your message just rings for all to hear, and they follow. Your words strike deep in our hearts and remind us daily what the fight is for.
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Wonderful
Great Job Janet. You know the wonder that one voice can conceive, speak and accomplish. Kudo's to you my dear sister.
*Go with God*
Valerie
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Outstanding
As always you have written a powerfull poem, it is so full of emotion and carries such a strong message, May you see some success for all your efforts, keep pushing for the end to child slavery, Smoooshes John
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I see your wings...
Life and death fights
all your life's desires
with all your might
against hippocrisy, the liar.
My heroine and saint
born of slavery's pain
this picture you paint
improves from actions plain.
Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari
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Bless you
God has a special crown of stars with your name on it!
Very touching story. Amazing Grace is the most beautiful song. May we someday see this slavery put to rest.
hugs Wolfie -
i can't think of what to say, keep it flowing
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Very nice
Very emotionally written piece. The flow of your words is excellent. Your feelings very evident in your work.
I enjoyed readng this piece on a subject that still rears it's ugly had. Bravo for enlightening me on a few things as I read your authors notes. Keep writing !
Carolyn ~j~
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This was really deep. It gave me a totally different perspective on this issue. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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onehappy1
I poured myself out
my prayers that beg
into words that shout
acting as my legs.
Smoosh darling
Janet
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When all come together for one cause, there is always a rift as to how to go about the issue. It's good that you spoke. The problems of any slavery anywhere in the world happening to anyone must bring people to gether.
This is an excellent poem bringing so much to light. God bless you, Janet! Love and Hugs, Patricia
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Janet, an interesting narrative on a topic close to you, your powerful emotions come through in this poem. your rhymes, well I refuse to talk about your rhymes anymore, it must be boring you, and the quatrain styling again is the strongest in poetry in my opinion. Good job.
Jim
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pattyann4500
God bless you too.
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Excellent!
Iohagh: Thanks for your lobbying this issue..Today,I see the feeding of the starving children of Mozambique..Are they not our slaves too if we do not aid their cause...Slaves to starvation,Aids you name it..This is a true Christmas present,giving to the needy...and Jesus is there where need is.You have written well,girl..John Newton was converted to Christ from his slavery, and wrote Amazing Grace out of his remorse...Still today African Americans can feel 2nd class citizens...May I not be guilty of the same...We are all Gods' creation,and He has a purpose for us all! Lots of compassion you have..if only more of us could have it! -
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Dear Rose Angel
May I say this
Your sentiment isn't missed
I agree with you
on what to do.
Smoosh my darling
Janet
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