Sankofa
Go back and get it.83 total reviews
Comment from Joan E.
Thank you for sharing your process about creating this poem. I hope it was well received in the FS contest and in San Francisco. It tells an intriguing story and is a lovely tribute to your mother. I found the line "it is not forbidden to fetch the forgotten" memorable and a wonderful alliterative tie in to "feathers and fringes fluttered and flowed". Cheers- Joan
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2016
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Thank you for sharing your process about creating this poem. I hope it was well received in the FS contest and in San Francisco. It tells an intriguing story and is a lovely tribute to your mother. I found the line "it is not forbidden to fetch the forgotten" memorable and a wonderful alliterative tie in to "feathers and fringes fluttered and flowed". Cheers- Joan
Comment Written 18-Sep-2016
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2016
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Thank you, Joan, for your fine review of my poem which, as you wrote, "is a lovely tribute to your mother." While it did not receive recognition at the San Francisco contest, I will submit it for publication. I am also glad you found the alliteration of "F" fetching.
Comment from I am Cat
Andre,
I never tire of reading about your beautiful, independent, headstrong, and creative mother! This poem made me spread my own wings, strut my own tail feathers and dance the dance that only we, who have survived, and flown the best, can dance!
A beautiful tribute to her, and all who have come before and after her... And whether San Francisco chooses and heralds you as their chosen Piet or not, I say you are! You always will be, and fly Andre'! Up where she taught you to fly!
Beautifully crafted my dear, with the pen of a true storytelling poet!
Congratulations on your nomination to POM, and good luck in the SF contest as well.
A winner all around!
Cat
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2016
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Andre,
I never tire of reading about your beautiful, independent, headstrong, and creative mother! This poem made me spread my own wings, strut my own tail feathers and dance the dance that only we, who have survived, and flown the best, can dance!
A beautiful tribute to her, and all who have come before and after her... And whether San Francisco chooses and heralds you as their chosen Piet or not, I say you are! You always will be, and fly Andre'! Up where she taught you to fly!
Beautifully crafted my dear, with the pen of a true storytelling poet!
Congratulations on your nomination to POM, and good luck in the SF contest as well.
A winner all around!
Cat
Comment Written 12-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2016
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Oh, thank you, Cat, for your generous, six star review and kind words. Although my poem only received one vote in the Poem of the Month contest--,my own--I won when I pushed myself as a poet to write this tribute to my mother four years after she passed. She would be quite thrilled by the results. Although I will not hear the results of the Dancing Poetry Contest until August, I am confident that I gave it my best shot. Thank you once again for your review.
Comment from Lovinia
Hello Andre
Congratulations on your nomination for Poem of the Month. So pleased I found this on the list as I would have missed it. I was without a computer for almost a month and so frustrating. Then two weeks of mourning for a close family member, I'm always behind ... now, more than ever. ;(
This is a beautiful poem and captures the very essence of performance dance. I do hope you receive the accolade it deserves, either or both in the POM and the contest you entered.
A superb image and a wonderful story. Does such a bird exist, or is it mythical? I love how you bring reference to this bird's extreme mothering nature to your own experience, being carried by your mother in her womb. I guess as children we do not often appreciate the gifts we're given. Old books ... my mother didn't really approve of her bookworm daughter, she thought reading was being lazy. Well, yeah, I can understand rocket ships .. flying of into the unknown, outer space ... I can identify with that. Not that little girls were encouraged to play with rocket ships back then. :( I can see the intensity of your mother's dance, and how brilliant, though I can also understand "I slumped in my seat to hide from my peers" ... the stupidity of cruelty and the put-down of someone who dares to be different. Your mum must have been quite a woman. I would love to have met her and tell her how much I admire her son's talent, and heart. :) It is difficult to understand, I text to a man whose mother and grandmother picked cotton. One thing, if they were picking it for their own living, another thing working for a master. :(
Your final verse is a perfect culmination of your story:-
"I found her poems strewn in a room (I remember that moment well, as you conveyed it in your memoir of your parent's poetry and relationship).
"like nest feathers of some exotic bird" - respect and honour for your mother's work.
"I rescued her poems from the past,
and carried my mother's dreams into the future." - how fortunate for you and your family. Such love to accomplish such an arduous task. I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of that journey as I've read your work, and know your mother a little, and you also in your own individual work. Seems you're as good a poet as a writer. I've enjoyed this poem very much and consider it outstanding, you've accomplished everything you've outlined in your notes. The word, Sankofa, is a wonderful title and brings an air of myth, female power through an age of shame and bullyism, and ignorance. Your mother held her own in her absolute strength and she taught her children not to do the same in revenge. She gave you solid learning, wisdom and intelligence as I interpret from your work. Brilliant! Bravo! Your poem well deserves its nomination, I wish you the best of luck for the win. Well done my friend. Huge hugs - Lovi xoxoxo (PS - I've had this in my tab, awaiting my new sixes). lol
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2016
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Hello Andre
Congratulations on your nomination for Poem of the Month. So pleased I found this on the list as I would have missed it. I was without a computer for almost a month and so frustrating. Then two weeks of mourning for a close family member, I'm always behind ... now, more than ever. ;(
This is a beautiful poem and captures the very essence of performance dance. I do hope you receive the accolade it deserves, either or both in the POM and the contest you entered.
A superb image and a wonderful story. Does such a bird exist, or is it mythical? I love how you bring reference to this bird's extreme mothering nature to your own experience, being carried by your mother in her womb. I guess as children we do not often appreciate the gifts we're given. Old books ... my mother didn't really approve of her bookworm daughter, she thought reading was being lazy. Well, yeah, I can understand rocket ships .. flying of into the unknown, outer space ... I can identify with that. Not that little girls were encouraged to play with rocket ships back then. :( I can see the intensity of your mother's dance, and how brilliant, though I can also understand "I slumped in my seat to hide from my peers" ... the stupidity of cruelty and the put-down of someone who dares to be different. Your mum must have been quite a woman. I would love to have met her and tell her how much I admire her son's talent, and heart. :) It is difficult to understand, I text to a man whose mother and grandmother picked cotton. One thing, if they were picking it for their own living, another thing working for a master. :(
Your final verse is a perfect culmination of your story:-
"I found her poems strewn in a room (I remember that moment well, as you conveyed it in your memoir of your parent's poetry and relationship).
"like nest feathers of some exotic bird" - respect and honour for your mother's work.
"I rescued her poems from the past,
and carried my mother's dreams into the future." - how fortunate for you and your family. Such love to accomplish such an arduous task. I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of that journey as I've read your work, and know your mother a little, and you also in your own individual work. Seems you're as good a poet as a writer. I've enjoyed this poem very much and consider it outstanding, you've accomplished everything you've outlined in your notes. The word, Sankofa, is a wonderful title and brings an air of myth, female power through an age of shame and bullyism, and ignorance. Your mother held her own in her absolute strength and she taught her children not to do the same in revenge. She gave you solid learning, wisdom and intelligence as I interpret from your work. Brilliant! Bravo! Your poem well deserves its nomination, I wish you the best of luck for the win. Well done my friend. Huge hugs - Lovi xoxoxo (PS - I've had this in my tab, awaiting my new sixes). lol
Comment Written 12-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2016
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Thank you, once again, Lovinia, for your generous, six star review. Even though with my busy performance schedule I only post once a month on FanStory. I am thrilled thrilled when one of my rare postings gets nominated. A couple of months back my "Boxcar" story was nominated for Story of the Month. In between performances, I plan to write more. Thank you for your encouraging review.
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My pleasure. I also enjoyed Boxcar very much ... another deserved nomination, I can't remember how you did, though I'm always excited just to be nominated. Enjoy your busy schedule ... take care and look forward to your next posting. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
Comment from BeasPeas
Your well written poem is one of remembrance and challenge to go forward in search of self. You've honored your mother and your heritage. My mom was a poet, too. Here I am on FanStory doing the same. Much good luck in the contest with this wonderful piece. Marilyn
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2016
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Your well written poem is one of remembrance and challenge to go forward in search of self. You've honored your mother and your heritage. My mom was a poet, too. Here I am on FanStory doing the same. Much good luck in the contest with this wonderful piece. Marilyn
Comment Written 11-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2016
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Thank you, Marilyn, for your generous review. The nomination came as a surprise to me. While my poem will not win (the only vote it received was my own), I am cheered that out of the thousands of poems posted on FanStory each month, mine was among sixteen deemed worthy enough to be nominated for Poem of the Month. This encourages me for the Dancing Poetry Contest, the results of which I will hear on August 1. Last year, out of the 669 poems submitted from around the world, only fifty-one, or 7.5%, received a prize. If I can be among the sixteen poems nominated for Poem of the Month on FanStory, I have a good shot at taking home a Dancing Poetry prize. Thank you for your review.
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Well, I wish you much good luck in the Dancing Poetry contest. It is an honor to be have a poem chosen for the Poem of the Month on FanStory. Congratulations to you for qualifying. Marilyn
Comment from Susanne M. Psyris
Oh! This is simply wonderful writing...thoroughly enjoyed its content and the flow was smooth and easy to read. Your meter is quite strong. I am curious...how did this fare in the 23rd Annual Dancing Poetry Contest? Or has it completed yet? I think this is very fine writing. It's a great entry into the Poem of the Month contest and should do very well in the booth! Good luck. God bless and hugs, Susanne
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2016
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Oh! This is simply wonderful writing...thoroughly enjoyed its content and the flow was smooth and easy to read. Your meter is quite strong. I am curious...how did this fare in the 23rd Annual Dancing Poetry Contest? Or has it completed yet? I think this is very fine writing. It's a great entry into the Poem of the Month contest and should do very well in the booth! Good luck. God bless and hugs, Susanne
Comment Written 09-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2016
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Thank you, Susanne, for your generous review. The nomination came as a surprise to me. While my poem will not win (the only vote it received was my own), I am cheered that out of the thousands of poems posted on FanStory each month, mine was among sixteen deemed worthy enough to be nominated for Poem of the Month. This encourages me for the Dancing Poetry Contest, the results of which I will hear on August 1. Last year, out of the 669 poems submitted from around the world, only fifty-one, or 7.5%, received a prize. If I can be among the sixteen poems nominated for Poem of the Month on FanStory, I have a good shot at taking home a Dancing Poetry prize. Thank you for your review.
Comment from Winslow
Dear Sis Cat,
Your mother danced to protect and guide you. She who remembered the past and wanted her son to do better they she did. An intriguing poem.
Warm regards,
Winslow
reply by the author on 18-May-2016
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Dear Sis Cat,
Your mother danced to protect and guide you. She who remembered the past and wanted her son to do better they she did. An intriguing poem.
Warm regards,
Winslow
Comment Written 17-May-2016
reply by the author on 18-May-2016
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Thank you, Winslow, for your warm review. I submitted this narrative poem to the Dancing Poetry Festival last week and am off on my next submission. Thanks again.
Comment from Mastery
Hi, Cat. I think this is terrific writing jusgt as it is, if you don't mind my saying so. It has that certain something that is hard to define but comes down to "heart" plain and simple. Bravo! great write, my friend.
reply by the author on 14-May-2016
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Hi, Cat. I think this is terrific writing jusgt as it is, if you don't mind my saying so. It has that certain something that is hard to define but comes down to "heart" plain and simple. Bravo! great write, my friend.
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 14-May-2016
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Thank you, Bob, for your generous, six star review and your fun signature. Thank you for the compliments as well. Cheers.
Comment from Ima L. Ami
What a great tribute to your Mother! She sounds like an amazing lady and the story about her dancing at your school is awesome. I've seen images of Sankofa, but didn't know the name or history behind this legendary creature. Thank you so much for sharing this. I learn something new every day :)
reply by the author on 12-May-2016
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What a great tribute to your Mother! She sounds like an amazing lady and the story about her dancing at your school is awesome. I've seen images of Sankofa, but didn't know the name or history behind this legendary creature. Thank you so much for sharing this. I learn something new every day :)
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 12-May-2016
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Thank you, Ima, for your review. My cousin had a Sankofa sculpture on the ledge of her living room for decades. I gazed at it and knew that it was about the older generation helping the young. It was only when I delved deeper into the sculpture for my poem did I learn that it had a name with a meaning and a proverb.
Yes, my mother was an amazing lady. She would be dancing in heaven if my poem wins in the festival.
Thank you for your review.
Comment from Spiritual Echo
I hope you've received whatever help you think you needed. To me, this is visual, combining the very thing you aimed for, the potential of choreographing, and strong emotion. You tell a story, then make it personal and full of love. You must tell us all how you make out.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I hope you've received whatever help you think you needed. To me, this is visual, combining the very thing you aimed for, the potential of choreographing, and strong emotion. You tell a story, then make it personal and full of love. You must tell us all how you make out.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Yes, Ingrid, I received help to transform this from textbook prose to performance poetry. I am mailing it tomorrow with my submission fee. I have tacked my boat to prepare a new Aesop fable for a video storytelling contest and rehearse Turkish folktales for a storytelling concert in June. All the while, I am stewing to resume work on my nonfiction writing.
Thank you for your review. It came as a surprise because the certificate had expires. Your review is much appreciated.
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I haven't been reviewing much--just catching up. I seem to be spending less time here, but that's likely a good thing.
Best of luck.
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Yes, I have been so busy with my performances and workshops, I could only post once a month.
Comment from VaV-VOOM
Now that is very cool! Is this really your Mother's words? I liked this stanza best:
"My mother embodied Sankofa;
she never forgot the cotton fields
she picked as her mother had picked;
she learned from the past
and brought the past to the present."
I so enjoyed reviewing your poetry, and the people that went through such back breaking work are truly wonders of the World, and now a day's people think they work. Great read! Write On! VaV-VOOM!
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Now that is very cool! Is this really your Mother's words? I liked this stanza best:
"My mother embodied Sankofa;
she never forgot the cotton fields
she picked as her mother had picked;
she learned from the past
and brought the past to the present."
I so enjoyed reviewing your poetry, and the people that went through such back breaking work are truly wonders of the World, and now a day's people think they work. Great read! Write On! VaV-VOOM!
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Thank you, VaV-VOOM, for your generous review. Yes, my mother used to pick cotton in East Texas alongside her mother in the 1930s and early '40s. Life had changed little since the days of slavery. When World War II came, my family left for Oakland to work in the shipyards. My grandmother was a real Rosie the Riveter. That generation of men and women performed back breaking work. We will never see their likes again. Despite all my mother later achieved in life, she never forgot her roots as a cotton picking, sharecropper's daughter.
Thank you for your generous review and for pointing out the stanza you liked best.
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You are so welcome Sis Cat, I enjoyed your poetry. I hope We (the human race) do not put any of are fellow man through such madness again. You are a true poet my friend! VaV-VOOM!