Facing Forward, Pursuing Progress
My fellow blogger, Michele Lee, posted this classic poem by Langston Hughes. A very powerful one, and one that’s relevance is still strong.
Freedom
by Langston Hughes
Freedom will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
…
Head over to her blog to read the rest. It’s well worth your time.
Mr. Jones launched into my view via Debbie Millman’s Design Matters podcast. His charm and ebullient manner shined brightly.
I find Saeed Jones’ work evocative and insightful. His meter and flow challenge me and my own work. I hope you find his work delightful too.
This reminds of great advice given to me by myriad mentors: to become a better writer, read more, read deeply, delight in great writing.
To learn more about Kwame Dawes, check out his bio on Poetry Foundation.
Great advice for the new poet…and for the old. Of course today we always have our phone with us, capturing our thoughts, poem scraps along with photos. There’s research supporting pen-and-paper’s superiority, for what that’s worth. Ultimately, the best solution is the one you use. As long as you’re confident in capturing your ideas, your brain can focus on creation.
Audre Lorde quote
I adore this quote. I, too, see self-care as a radical act, Ms. Lorde’s words sing to me. I
Cherish each moment. Life’s too short. And there are no “do-overs”.
James Baldwin Quote
This Baldwin poem resonates with me. Love’s grace comes with great power, inspiring fears and conquering cowardice.
Probably best know for “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised“, Scott-Heron hugely influenced Rap and Hip-Hop. His work captured the array of emotions describing the urban black culture of the moment.
I found this poem quite relevant to us today. Seems this is more prevalent now than at the turn of the last century.
Review
Ah, the legendary Ms. Walker! I admire so much about her work, I would need much more time to write her a worthy bio. Fortunately, the good folks at the Poetry Foundation have us covered.