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Open Poetry #36
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

0 posted 2005-08-10 10:53 AM



Dignity defeats Prejudice

How well he manipulated
The narrow-minded
Curves and twists of petty ways
In which his mind perceived
Injustice, particularly when it was pointed
At him, like a teacher’s ruler from
Third grade, when he first learned to hate.

Especially as injustice blew
Toward him, like an advance of swelling surf,
As a hurricane of bigotry blustered in.

He would redden at sounds of voices
So unlike his own; accents he could neither
Comprehend nor colors he could see through,
As the blistering red necked it’s way
Down his spine
Stiffening his resolve
Toward intolerance.

A gentle hand would lay itself
On his arm
Again
As if to influence the redness to calm itself,
Quietly saying
We are all God’s creatures

But that would only incur more vehemence
In his white light of trite retaliations,

And it is difficult indeed,
When dignity seemingly cannot dent
Intolerance.

But she knew, if she were truly incompatible
To his deeper opinions
Which were hidden by prejudice,
He would have stopped
Reaching for her dignity.


© Copyright 2005 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

1 posted 2005-08-10 11:05 AM


BRAVO!!!!!
This was awesome, beautifully written, brings the thoughtfulness into thought provoking gestures, awareness and the key, respect...ya know, in todays world people I think have forgotten the hord of goodness which comes from dignity and self respect, something no one can take away, unless you let them...or throw it away yourself.  If you can walk away, with your head up, that, is the accomplishment.

thoroughly enjoyed

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
2 posted 2005-08-10 11:49 AM


Sissie

"But she knew, if she were truly incompatible
To his deeper opinions
Which were hidden by prejudice,
He would have stopped
Reaching for her dignity."

I'm impressed by this wisdom, and you!  

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
3 posted 2005-08-10 04:47 PM


you know, Kari, I forgot about that challenge and just re - read all the posts
(God - we are awesome, aint we?)
and it really made me smile to read all of that again, I miss those days and then to see you writing THE MOST AMAZING of all -

you have combined, just about every emotion right here in this write (because I had a big pouty face on while I was reading it with disgust in my chest, how DO you do that?) and it snakes its way - it does and God, it made me realize just how things like that get started and truly how sad it is to be brought up in that environment.

My Dear Lady - I tip my glass to you,
once again.

You are from beyond . . .  

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

4 posted 2005-08-10 04:58 PM


DAMN woman!  
above and beyond the challenge m'dear..

above and beyond....

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
5 posted 2005-08-10 05:52 PM


I may be prejudiced, but you are one fine,  dignified woman and poetess!

Love & Sun Light,
Linda


SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
6 posted 2005-08-10 05:56 PM


Wow! You did this great. I knew you could.
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2005-08-10 07:54 PM


"And it is difficult indeed,
When dignity seemingly cannot dent
Intolerance.

But she knew, if she were truly incompatible
To his deeper opinions
Which were hidden by prejudice,
He would have stopped
Reaching for her dignity."

Karilea..you continue to render me speechless!
Excellent write....absolutely excellent!!!

Hugs~Nancy


*See you in a few weeks
...it's gazebo time.*

Something tugs at me, I've no doubt of that.
Something from the sea, whichever one I'm near.
When I stray too far from beachland, it calls me back

JesusChristPose
Senior Member
since 2005-06-21
Posts 777
Pittsburgh, Pa
8 posted 2005-08-10 08:27 PM


Here, here. Got it. the comments, esp. the first I believe, said it best.

"In which his mind perceived
Injustice, particularly when it was pointed
At him, like a teacher’s ruler from
Third grade, when he first learned to hate."


~ This rings home.... wow.

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
9 posted 2005-08-10 10:07 PM


woweeeee
can I keep it? please?

ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
10 posted 2005-08-11 05:37 AM


Kari
This poem warms this old freedom Marchers heart...Reminds me of walking down the streets of Washington in the sixties, holding hands with those that had felt the blows of prejudice...

"And it is difficult indeed,
When dignity seemingly cannot dent
Intolerance."

indeed....

------------ice
   ><>

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