within this booth I am again John Wilkes
undoing what I have done
slow motion into might have been
this point of meeting
so long sought
a journey of long shadows coming into light
faces see for those before
hands reach to draw a stich
to take imperfection
and make something
perfect
within this curtain
me alone
encircled where all can see
who went in and who came out
they will hear the renting
low sounds mingled into moan
mitigating as feet upon the ground
a cappella hallelujahs
joining as a chorus of ghosts
rushing into day
a wound washed
by easy tears
a trembling restoration
Author notes
I will be voting for Barach Obama. This is not a presumptive guess as to the outcome of the coming Presidential election; this is the certainty tht I will be casting a vote for a person with African blood. In this, I will be among the first to do so, as he will be the first African American to run for this office.
This poem was published in The Panama News
A contest entry
- Fill The Silence With Your Voice by Nostalgia.
750 points, ended November 4, 2008, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The best you've ever written by Phineas Red.
900 points, ended July 1, 4 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
-
A nice snapshot of what the election meant to so many people, and what it had the power to symbolize. Good job.
-
-
It was particularly moving for people who lived through the years of segregation, as I did. I appreciated the bronze trophy very much.
-
-
Sorry canceling contest. Only had 4 people put what I asked for in the AN...Sorry I am not doing it if people can't listen. I'll host a new contest.
-
Very beautiful, vivid, blending both our past, present, and future.
-
I think I got it. You are blending past, present and future. Learn from your mistakes, "undoing what I have done". Publicly voting today, "encircled where all can see". Hope for the future as the wound is washed with tears and restored, "a wound washed by easy tears a trembling restoration. Is my brain still gliched?
-
-
Bingo! It is so satisfying when a reader gets exactly what you hope the poem will communicate. The 'chorus of gosts' pertains to the array of people denied the opportunity to vote, the victims of terrible intimidation, the brave persons who stood up to the system and all who gave their lives to bring us closer to this day.
I believe that I will shed some tears.
-
-
The 'might have been' refers to the possibility that, had Lincoln lived, african americans would haved received greater justice.
'Slow motion' refers to the long period of segregation
and the historic efforts to change it.' -
I enjoyed this poem. I can see the historical nature of this piece. It has a good flow and nice language. The only line that I don't quite understand is " slow motion into might have been"... is that a continuation of the thought started in the previous line? Something to consider... All in all, though, very well done.
Thank you for entering the contest and good luck!
-
Go Obama! I really do hope that he comes out ahead in this presidential race, because he represents the future, the hope and the dream of so many Americans. Thank you for supporting him and our cause
-
These are the views of one who has been exposed to intense racism, in its most virulent forms. The Presidential office has been the most segregated institution in the United States (perhaps, in the world.) Anyone beyond 55 years of age who has the slightest grasp of history will be touched by the experience of casting their vote and bringing a change.
-
I don't understand all of your terminology in this poem. I may just be suffering a brain glitch. I hope the right one gets into office in your land and in mine since the two are close4ly connected.
-
I can't vote, because im not the age, nor am i american, but I am glad that you are voting for him. He seems to be the better candidate even though he doesnt have as much experience but i see that as a good thing in ways. Anyways have fun!
and good write.
Rose
Adding your comment:
1 - 12 of 12
