In The Celebration Of Black History Month
Why are you doing that?
'In the celebration of Black History Month.
This is the only time of the year,
We can express our heartfelt gratitude.
AND,
Do it with a full blown dignity, pride...
And an identity expressing our self esteem.'
I don't get it.
'A group of us have decided,
To re-enact those days when we...
Our people,
Were captive slaves...
And kept in physical bondage.'
So...
You are polishing shackles and chains?
To attach to yourselves'
Help me understand this.
Please.
'Well...
It is our way of showing,
We are appreciative...
For all that our ancestors have done for us.'
And...
Why the wearing of tuxedos?
'We've invited some very influential people,
To impress them with the advancements we've made.
Proving our completed togetherness,
As we struggle for freedom and true equality.
A picture paints a thousand words.'
You don't mind if I don't attend do you?
'I am not surprised by that at all.
Everytime there is a call for unity...
You find some excuse not to participate.
And frankly,
Your absence may be for us attending this event...
A blessing.
Your sermons about us being ignorant,
Is a bit tired and outdated.
It's brothers like you...
That keeps putting a blemish on our efforts.'
You have no idea,
Just how outdated you make me feel.
And...
You will not have to worry about me,
Putting a single blemish on your efforts.
'That's a relief.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Your Actions Have Outdated My Patience
For many years I have known of you!
And in those years,
I feel I don't know you at all.
I've invited you into my home...
And assisted in the things you do.
I've even invited you with me,
To attend events.
And this you have refused,
With excuses to invent.
And when I see you publicly,
You pretend not to know me...
You never acknowledge me to make small talk.
When was the last time I recieved your invitation,
To go anywhere with different sights to see?
I can not recall that being your priority.
And yet you call yourself my 'friend'?
Which one of us is pretending?
And which one of us thinks,
Whatever this is between us should end?
'You don't know me like you think you do! '
You say to me as if to accuse.
And I say to you...
'No kidding?
You must be a comedian too?
But your actions have outdated my patience.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Awaiting For a Black History Date
Those awaiting for a Black History date,
To express their appreciation...
For contributions their own kind make.
Are those trying to find,
Approval for these acts.
That had been laid and placed in past decades...
For the chance to enhance and romance,
Deeds done to eliminate...
The sweat endured to produce the facts.
And how can a 'Black History'...
Take just a few days,
To confirm any of that?
To gather to celebrate the lives of these folks...
Should be done on a daily basis.
And not when just provoked.
Or joked when adorning attire...
Meant to invoke a connection that inspires.
It is difficult to live each day as it is...
In a society that has done its best,
To disavow the truth as it is lived.
And taking one month to proclaim one's identity...
Seems a waste of time.
When people rather wine and dine.
Especially if thoughts are not carried around...
With a discipline within that is deep down.
Or with an integrity that does not disappear...
Before Spring has yet to begin!
And the Winter cold and snow...
Has from steps safely cleared.
'I'm Black and I'm proud! '
No doubt.
But...
When?
What time of the year?
And what are you wearing...
Before those thoughts of yours,
Come to an end.
Hmmm?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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You Tell Me Of Your Australian History
You tell me of your Australian history your ancestors were British and Irish pioneers
But your history in this Land is not an old history just two centuries and twenty years
And in time that may seem quite a long span though the combined life spans of three people nothing more
Your ancestors hardly were Aussies they came here from a distant shore.
The first Australians have lived in this Country for longer than most care to know
Their ancestors came here from Asia more than sixty thousand years ago
They are indigenous to this Country all others have links to elsewhere
Yet they still struggle for recognition and that to me seems quite unfair.
Dispossessed by the Northern invaders they never did get back their Land
And that they are now ruled by white people I find that hard to understand
You talk of the history of this Land as if it were only two hundred years old
But then suppose the history of the ancient Dreamtime by white people will never be told.
I was not even born in this Country which makes you more Aussie than I
And though I'm not Nationalistic or Patriotic my heritage I won''t deny
You talk of your pioneering ancestors but why talk of Human history at all
If the history of the first Australians you do not see fit to recall.
You tell me of your pioneering ancestors but one fact you tend to ignore
That they were not born in this Country they came here from a foreign shore
You''d swear by you the Human history of this Land was only two centuries old
But the true history of this great Country by your type will never be told
poem by Francis Duggan
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Black History
Boom, boom, boom!
That was in 1530 to the Slave Trade;
My Mama told me so,
My Papa told me so,
In the name of our ancestors gone by;
Slaves for arms,
Slaves for powder,
Slaves for hardware,
Slaves for spirits;
Boom, boom, boom! !
All over the West Coast of Africa!
Today, i am a Blackman to tell you a story.
Black History, the Black African, the Black Race;
Of my ancestors gone by,
Boom, boom, boom!
Black head, black sugar, black coffee;
Where are the true identities of the Blacks?
That was in 1530 to the Slave trade.
Black History, black love;
A Black Race to a call.
Tap your fingers and do think about it,
My Mama told me so;
Bllack shoes, black phones;
With the Black History gone too soon,
My Papa told me so.
Black hair, black eyes;
The black coal to steam up the engines!
In the name of my ancestors gone by;
But, where are the black pens of love to share?
Do think about this and learn from it,
Boom, boom, boom!
A Blackman in the house to tell us a story;
Where is William Wilberforce?
Where is Thomas Buxton?
Where is Granville Sharp?
What about the Slaves? !
These men need to tell us more;
They killed my ancestors softly without compensations!
Black love, black stream, a black home to live in;
Like 'Naughty By Nature',
I've got 'Queen Latifah' to tell us more.
Of the Black Songs,
Of the Black race,
With a Black-Limo to keep us going;
This Slave Trade was a Black History to us all.
Boom, boom, boom!
Do contact Africa to learn more from this;
Like a black bird, a black cat and the black fingers! !
Do contact Africa to see things for yourselves.
Oh Blackman,
When are they going to admit to what they did?
Like a Black Ninja in the house,
Do know your history before you destroy yourselves.
Boom, boom, boom!
The very sound of the Slaves marching on;
This is our colour and, we have to respect it.
Black Cop, Black Soldier;
A Black Marine to a call,
We still have more to learn from each other.
Black wine, Black Doctor, Black People;
Know all about your history.
About where you came from and,
Where you are today;
Black seed, black marble, Black Prophets!
We still have more to learn.
Slaves for arms,
Slaves for hardware,
Slavces for powder,
Slaves for spirits;
Boom, boom, boom! ! !
Black beauty, black sea, black pot;
Black Nurse, black melody, black stamp;
Know your history always.
Of the freed Slaves from England to Sierra Leone,
With those from America to Liberia! ! ! !
Today the Black Panther is here to stay like,
The Black Writer.
poem by Edward Kofi Louis
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Cat People
See these eyes so green
I can stare for a thousand years
Colder than the moon
Feel my blood enraged
It's just the fear of losing you
Don't you know my name
Well, you been so long
And i've been putting out fire
With gasoline
See these eyes so red
Red like jungle burning bright
Those who feel me near
Pull the blinds and change their minds
It's been so long
Still this pulsing night
A plague i call a heartbeat
Just be still with me
But it wouldn't believe what i've been thru
You've been so long
Well it's been so long
And i've been putting out the fire with gasoline
Putting out the fire
With gasoline
See these tears so blue
An ageless heart that can never mend
Tears can never dry
A judgement made can never bend
See these eyes so green
I can stare for a thousand years
Just be still with me
You wouldn't believe what i've been thru
Well you've been so long
It's been so long
And i've been putting out fire with gasoline
Putting out fire with gasoline
Putting out fire
We've been putting out fire
Well it's been so long so long so long
Yes it's been so long so long so long
I've been putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
And putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
Yeah yeah putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
Been putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
Yeah putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
Putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
It's been so long
Been so long so long so long
It's been so long
Been so long so long so long
It's been so long
Been so long so long so long
I've been putting out fire
Been so long so long so long
song performed by by David Bowie
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Doing Of It
Putting those assumptions most have aside,
The only one who really has the right to live a life...
The way they would like and decided,
Would be the one making their own way...
Through a thicket of weeds,
No one else has made efforts to remove...
With a proving done of an end result.
Anyone who believes,
A voicing of their opinion to leave and influence...
With assumptions mention,
Need only to do one of two things.
Either take one step or two away from 'themselves'.
To agree that a decision made by one,
And no one else can be done with one's doing of it.
Again.
And there is evidence of this.
There is nothing like,
The minding of one's own business...
That validates with a certainty,
One's own wishes.
Without direction suggested or requested,
From another.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Month Of Re-Enforcing Stereotypes Has Arrived
The month of re-enforcing stereotypes has arrived.
With a naming of a few who broke away from them,
To remind others they too have the same potential...
If they embraced discipline, devotion and a work ethic.
It's the month of re-enforcing stereotypes.
And folks who have waited to use the words 'niggers'
'coons', 'jungle bunnies' and other degrading references...
Depicting people of color,
Can do so to say they are celebrating bondage.
Since...
Isn't that the purpose?
To keep people reminded of their slave mentalities.
OR like some folks like to address their 'connections' as...
Keeping themselves down to Earth.
And...
With much assistance,
What a good job people have done...
To prove a legacy of ignorance can have its visual benefits,
For all who are determined to keep stereotypes alive.
Note:
Are these images subtle? Not anymore. In fact depictions of
ignorance 'are celebrated where I live in Hartford, Connecticut.
And thought to be 'cute' by those totally absent of identity.
When a picture from Kemble's Coons (Authored by Edward Windsor Kemble)
shows a coon with a naked black child sitting high in a tree,
eating on an ear of corn, and I know this reflects the mindset of the people...
this picture released and shown to begin celebrating Black History Month,
can be upsetting. ESPECIALLY when there is no acknowledgement, whatsoever,
of Jimmy Brown who was the first Black President of The Hartford Board of Education.
AND those who are 'celebrating' those deeds of black folks in this 'town'...
Have no idea who he is.
'Is 'this' poetry? Is 'this' a slice of life? Yes, it is. A poetic flowing of an intention! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Unity That Is Down to Earth
The ignorant,
Are not historically known...
To be supportive of their own kind!
But they will periodically,
Call for unity...
In support of accusing one another,
For making attempts...
To do something with their lives.
For the small minded,
This 'trip' is considered 'uppity'.
And leaves many a victim despised,
By this self critique...
As trying to be better than the others.
And forgetting where they came from...
When they were significantly shunned,
For doing their best to get out of the nesting...
Of a crab barrel full of defeaters.
Somehow...
Knowing who and where they were,
Needed little confirmation!
Although filled with ambition and aspiration...
Energizing support,
Is a self motivating thing!
A sacrifice only determination brings.
However...
Suppressing expectations of progress,
Is a given and...done!
With the best of unified intentions.
To prevent 'delusions' of success!
And yet...
Those professing this ugly evilness,
Will dress to impress.
These are crab barrel dwellers!
People of a 'visualized togetherness'
Coming to celebrate express pretentions.
While proclaiming a displeasure,
For being in the presence of those
Who are not 'Down-to-Earth' like they are!
And with a lack of a collective identity.
That keeps them screaming for more police protection!
In a unity they appear...
Obviously in need of complete psychotic diagnosis.
And mental repair!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Vituperative And Harshly Censorious
You tell others and say,
You are not impressed...
By those daily efforts of mine made.
And I say...
Where are your efforts to address?
Since you are quick to express your displeasure.
And then you wish to measure,
And evaluate time.
You want to vocalize how yours,
Is more important than mine.
You want to expose your excuses,
To reduce critique.
You want others to perceive,
Your opinions are sought.
As if this 'deed' is impressive enough to leave.
You tell others and say,
You are not impressed...
By those daily efforts of mine made.
But I am sure they've come to realize,
There is insecurity hidden,
Underneath your weak tirades tired and tried.
Expressed with intemperate, vituperative...
And harshly censorious language!
'Huh?
What did you call me?
What did you just say?
Did you call me 'stupid'? '
No!
Those affirmations I leave to you.
'Oh.
I'm glad you do.
Because those 'imaginations'...
Which they are not.
But if they were...
Would belong to me! '
Yep!
I totally agree.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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This Universe (They Have This Need)
Do not become fooled or tricked by them.
The ones who talk of both fear and sin.
Their way of observing life may be coming to its end.
But this Universe is full of abundance.
Perhaps for them there is this 'need' to believe...
What they have created has to be deflated!
There is this need for some to feel defeated.
As if it's up to them who lives to breathe!
There is this need for some to feel defeated.
As if it's up to them who stays and leaves.
And those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications over-rated.
Do not become fooled or tricked by them.
The ones who talk of both fear and sin.
Their way of observing life may be coming to its end.
But this Universe is full of abundance.
Perhaps for them there is this 'need' to believe...
What they have created has to be deflated!
And those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications over-rated.
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications over-rated.
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
(They have this need)
Those who play God are on medications long outdated!
And those who play God are on medications over-rated.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Share With Them My Gratitude
Submit what?
My ideas?
To whom and why?
'In the support of their endeavors...
They are seeking a more unified approach.
And actively solicit opinions of those most admired.'
And...
Your reason for being here,
Is what?
'Our committee decided,
You were one the ones most admired.
And we would like your participation.'
Really?
REALLY?
Not to confuse any issues I may have with this.
But do you see this smile on my face?
And the appearance given of a happiness...
That is far from fake?
You know what this smile took...
After what I've taken and shakened away?
Do you realize how long from this,
A recuperation takes?
Do you?
Speak up!
Do you?
'So...
That means we can expect you 'not' to participate? '
OH NO!
Not at all.
This smile doesn't mean that!
Have I sent mixed signals?
This smile gives me an opportunity...
To get some things off my chest.
Especially among those who slandered me...
With intentions that were their best efforts.
Are you kidding?
I would love to express my forgiveness.
Directly!
When is the next meeting?
'Maybe I should prepare them,
For your coming? '
Why spoil it?
I'll do that myself when I get there prepared.
And keep in mind...
I'll do what I can to keep positivity apparent,
In the atmosphere.
Just share with them my gratitude.
That's all you need to deliver and do.
And the decision that has been made?
To include me in on this...escapade!
I will be sure they will never forget!
When is that meeting?
Should I be dressed to impress?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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People Are Only Entertained By The Performance
It has to be admitted,
People do speak of unity...
With consistency.
You know,
That 'togetherness' in harmony thing!
As if what is said is actually believed.
And the activation of it is not a myth,
But a recognizable direction that can be achieved.
Like speeches made by leaders.
Or sermons made by preachers who testify of seeing 'visions'.
People are only entertained by the performance.
That's it!
When the show is over,
Another activity is sought.
Nothing heard is retained to make changes.
Only stated for debate...
Until a holiday comes to celebrate.
And what was intended prior to that is forgotten.
That's how it is when people are given too many choices,
From which to select and confuse their already weakened...
States of mind based upon variety and delusion.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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This Is About Identity and Principle
What difference does it make,
Whose heart you take and break?
What difference will you fake next...
If you say you've made mistakes,
When those mistakes leave heartbreak...
Over again,
In a thoughtless process unconsciously taken!
And this is not about money,
Or being Afrocentric.
This is about identity and principle.
One's integrity and dignity.
This is about those areas of life,
That have never dawned on you.
Because you are just too caught up in 'things'.
And no one can pay for magic to happen...
If one's mind is already established in ego!
To adorn and impress,
A valued emptiness.
And...
Let me leave you with this,
When did you determine I was not Afrocentric?
Was it before or after you recognized I was not subservient?
Or after you obtained the benefit of my efforts...
Erased from beneath your footsteps.
And I had been freed with blood I left...
From displaying a humblizing ignorance.
You find to market is best.
Or was 'that' something you had been told?
By those sold on reaching for already polished gold.
You do not remember the days,
The path you did not pave...
Had not been laid with choices,
Do you?
But I forget...
You represent that generation absent of deeds.
Delusioned and free of struggle.
You just want to shine...
Regardless of who holds your spotlight.
Or who had paid to have that light shine upon you.
I knew those unafraid to be challenged by those paths unpaved.
And perhaps my comfort with that...
Leaves you opinionated that I am not aware,
I am black?
I just don't carry the affects of that on my back!
And why should I...
When every stride I glide is still followed!
And this is not about money,
Or being Afrocentric.
This is about identity and principle.
One's integrity and dignity.
And none of that do you represent...
As a means for your survival!
I can where...
And with whom I sit and eat.
That is something yet I can not do.
As I pretend to be unaware...
Of the closeness of my oppressor's teeth.
And you...
Could care less of who makes the mess.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Mind Fed Rituals
When determined people,
Pray to God to have their way...
And God sends to them messengers,
To scream from bullhorns...
This is not going to happen.
Leave people like this.
Do not attempt to make bargains...
With the use of common sense.
Leave people like this.
These people only value,
The physical aspects of life.
People like this will make their mission,
To enlist others to value their point of view.
Even to select and depict those unknowing,
They have been chosen as culprits...
By someone who did not like,
How they were told...
To remove their rose colored glasses!
Leave people like this.
Do not attempt to make bargains...
With the use of common sense.
Leave people like this.
These people only value,
The physical aspects of life.
And the 'spiritual' side of it...
Is a routine of mind fed rituals,
Outdated by a lack indepth perception.
Leave people like this.
Do not attempt to make bargains...
With the use of common sense.
A common sense for many,
That has been diluted.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Not Prepared To Delve
Making attempts to relate to anyone,
Who has not been prepared...
To delve below the surface,
Is too time consuming.
And certainly not worth the chase.
When someone is ready,
To strip themselves bare...
Unafraid to expose a blemish or two,
That is the one a discussion about life done...
Is the most exciting conversation to have.
Identifying nonsense stated to regurgitate,
Like playing a game of show and tell...
Of that which can be readily observed,
Is a mind focused on events,
That have long outdated their purpose to exist.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Forth Of July Celebration
(7/4/12)
It's the 4th of JULY celebration
Where people who wanted freedom
Fought to create this nation.
Many had died to give us this right
And over two hundred years we continue to fight.
We still give freedom to all who arrive
This is our nations pride.
People who have come here from every nation
Join one another for this celebration.
In our nations capital we have our liberty bell
Where our cry for freedom was to " give them hell".
Through out our nation you will see fireworks shot in the sky
To remind us of how these AMERICANS fought and died.
So weather it be fireworks you shoot in the sky
Or a sparkler that you hold in your hand
Pride is something that we understand.
Join us in this celebration - "feel the pride
Feel the sensation."
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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What It Is You've Done
You have no idea what it is you've done.
Not a single thought of yours has come,
With an apology,
Or a 'forgive me please'...
Nothing at all since our fall begun!
You have no idea what it is you've done.
You have no idea what it is you've done.
Or maybe you do?
And I'm the one who is stunned...
Not realizing we were through!
While you were planning to 'retire' from me,
I ignored the hints dropped!
And didn't think your overnight trips were clues!
Not by calls you made from truck stops!
And all this time you knew?
You knew exactly what you were putting me through!
You have no idea what it is you've done.
Not a single thought of yours has come,
With an apology,
Or a 'forgive me please'...
Nothing at all since our fall begun!
You have no idea what it is you've done.
Or maybe you do!
And I was a fool not to first leave you!
And all this time you knew?
You knew exactly what you were putting me through!
And you know what you have done?
You just don't care that the 'donin' was done...
To the one who didn't see you doing the 'donin' come!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Your Happiness Matters
I'm sending you some humor
to brighten up your day,
may you smile or even laugh
and feel that life's okay.
I hope you escape the worry
of what others think of you,
you are seen in a better light
than what you think is true.
Your mind is full of thought
and the idea may seem real,
don't let worry in your heart
because it matters how you feel.
Take a break from the day
to help ease the inner pain,
some days you feel depressed
but there is hope after the rain.
Don't give up on the joys of life
when you aren't feeling good,
you are the better person
doing everything you should.
As a friend you are there
when others need a hand,
There are many there for you
that care and understand.
You are fun to be around
and happiness has its way,
You are liked for being you
no matter what you say.
Some days you may struggle
and no longer want to try,
so, enjoy the funny moments
and forget what makes you cry.
poem by Shelley Williams
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It Is Time To Leave Them Alone
The moment it has been noticed,
That a people have accepted their conditioning...
To remain confined and limited in mind,
With excuses to make to stay that way...
Down to Earth to express pretentions,
In insecure and hypocritical ways obeyed.
It is time to leave them alone.
A process to awaken poses a threat to them.
And anyone suggesting,
They should stretch their consciousness...
By experiencong something different and fresh,
Is whispered and gossiped about trying to do their best...
Of being better than everyone else.
It is easy to observe,
People defiant and what they approve.
The proof is in what they accept!
And what they choose with their time to do.
'I can't stand them.'
~Why? ~
'Listen to the way they talk and walk.
How they dress and express themselves.
And the things that they do...
That are separated from us and the rest.'
~You mean speaking with clarity?
As if they are proud and have identity?
And they seek to know more about their surroundings,
To increase their minds and can not be defined as ignorant?
With a moving forward to discover truth and reality?
And being criticized doesn't seem to bother their integrity,
Since unity means to them being freed from stupidity? ~
'I can't stand them! '
~And I can see why,
They have decided to leave you alone.~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Let us celebrate
Celebration means rejoicing
An achievement
An advancement
A successful accomplishment
A commemoration
In all these
There were efforts
Struggles against odds and
Challenges
Greater the effort
Tougher the struggle
Grander the celebration
Examine the celebrations
We launch normally
We celebrate birthdays
Wedding days
Marriages
An elevation in social or professional status
An acquisition of property
Nationally or politically important events
A range of festivals depending on the faiths we tag on
How many of them
Deserve being celebrated
You will come to know
Some of them, if not many
Need no celebration
As there were no efforts of ours
And there were no struggles
Then why do we celebrate
We celebrate because
Others do so or
We can afford to do so
Time has come
Where there is a limitation on resources
Resources here mean
Those we are endowed by nature
Not those that are man made
And available at a price
Many celebrations denude nature
Of its priceless resources
And we consume these non-renewable and
Non-replenishable resources
Just to show we can do that
And in the name of celebrations
Which do not really mark any
Achievement or accomplishment
Following our effort or struggle
Let us celebrate
But let us restrict the number of celebrations
So that the future generations too
Will have something to celebrate
poem by Bashyam Narayanan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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