Of Power, Words, and Intentions
When one's current actions are seen in light of one's past40 total reviews
Comment from Gloria ....
I gotta tell you, Diane I love your swap quatrain. I always find it more than passing strange when a person, who was previously so strident in the views about anything all of a sudden does a complete turnabout in philosophy. It does happen, true, but sadly it also happens that people use situations for their own benefit.
I love this because it's gritty, raw and you hit on some of the key points people make to explain away inequality.
A fine poem and sorry for being late in getting around to review it.:)
Gloria
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2020
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I gotta tell you, Diane I love your swap quatrain. I always find it more than passing strange when a person, who was previously so strident in the views about anything all of a sudden does a complete turnabout in philosophy. It does happen, true, but sadly it also happens that people use situations for their own benefit.
I love this because it's gritty, raw and you hit on some of the key points people make to explain away inequality.
A fine poem and sorry for being late in getting around to review it.:)
Gloria
Comment Written 11-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2020
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Good Morning, Gloria!
I would love to send this offering to the three people upon which it is based: two teachers and one principal! But then, I would be succumbing to their tactics. Just so you know, I let them all "have it."
Let's hope they have changed; I highly doubt it!
Thank you for your exceptional rating and thoughtful review!
So very pleased my words resonated with you!
Take Care!
diane
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
It's hard because you want people to wake up and see the truth but you never know for sure what their true motives are. You did a great job and I hope they really did wake up and see the light.
reply by the author on 11-Jun-2020
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It's hard because you want people to wake up and see the truth but you never know for sure what their true motives are. You did a great job and I hope they really did wake up and see the light.
Comment Written 10-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 11-Jun-2020
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Hello Friend!
Glad you enjoyed!
Thank you!
Comment from January L'Angelle
You are somewhat right to be a Doubting Thomas. It's hard to believe that some people who were outright racists are now on the front lines of Black Lives Matter protests. I say, the proof is in the pudding. Those that have truly changed will "show up" and those that haven't will revert. Your poem is riveting. I loved every line. Thank you for enlightening people through your poetry. Well done. -January L.
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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You are somewhat right to be a Doubting Thomas. It's hard to believe that some people who were outright racists are now on the front lines of Black Lives Matter protests. I say, the proof is in the pudding. Those that have truly changed will "show up" and those that haven't will revert. Your poem is riveting. I loved every line. Thank you for enlightening people through your poetry. Well done. -January L.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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Hello January!
So pleased my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from richie b
Mrs.KT,
Your poem rings with "Let us get it right this time!"
Much painful energy resonates in your words. We
cannot lose momentum. WE have to crest the hill and
fly to freedom of all our racial and sins of injustice.
Thank you for such an inspiring poem. Thank you
for sharing.
Peace,
Richie b
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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Mrs.KT,
Your poem rings with "Let us get it right this time!"
Much painful energy resonates in your words. We
cannot lose momentum. WE have to crest the hill and
fly to freedom of all our racial and sins of injustice.
Thank you for such an inspiring poem. Thank you
for sharing.
Peace,
Richie b
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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Hello richie!
So pleased that my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Oh, so well stated, my lady! I taught alongside them as well - had them as my administrators and even some (some years more than others) of THE PARENTS! Their attitude and looking down their noses at others because of ethnicity or else would just get under my skin and crawl until my tongue bled. And now, to see some of those same faces 'stand up' in these times as you say here? Yeah, if that doesn't make you question motives of not just them but others, I don't know what does... ugh. Very well-written and in Swap Quatrain no less -- beautiful handiwork!! :) Thanx for sharing your wonderful pen, Beautiful Lady! ;) Yvette
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Oh, so well stated, my lady! I taught alongside them as well - had them as my administrators and even some (some years more than others) of THE PARENTS! Their attitude and looking down their noses at others because of ethnicity or else would just get under my skin and crawl until my tongue bled. And now, to see some of those same faces 'stand up' in these times as you say here? Yeah, if that doesn't make you question motives of not just them but others, I don't know what does... ugh. Very well-written and in Swap Quatrain no less -- beautiful handiwork!! :) Thanx for sharing your wonderful pen, Beautiful Lady! ;) Yvette
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Hello Dear Yvette!
This offering is indeed, an indictment on a number of administrators and teachers I had the unfortunate experience of teaching alongside., but it is aimed at two three in particular. I will never forget the day that I went into one individual's fourth grade classroom to teach a writing lesson, and one of "them" ran up to me, nearly sobbing, and cried, "You're here! You're finally here!"
Yup...I sat down, and this not so little fella attempted to sit on my lap. I know that would go over "like a lead balloon;" thus, I suggest he just sit very close to me... So incredibly sad.
I believe three reviewers questioned to whom I was writing. Not certain if I could have made myself any clearer...Any suggestions?
And yes, I am disgusted when I see hypocrites posting their stances on social media...
Thank you so much for your exceptional rating and empathetic review!
Take Care!
diane
Comment from Susan Larson
As I read through your poem, I could hear it being set to a rap beat. When I subbed, and when I taught ESL kids, I used to write the lessons in rap and let them read them in rhythm. It really helped the words sink in. In my portfolio, Grid Lines and The Luck of Buck are examples. I wish they'de start replaying songs like that Coke commercial with kids standing on a hillside singing, "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony" or "What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love,' or "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" instead of angry hateful rap.
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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As I read through your poem, I could hear it being set to a rap beat. When I subbed, and when I taught ESL kids, I used to write the lessons in rap and let them read them in rhythm. It really helped the words sink in. In my portfolio, Grid Lines and The Luck of Buck are examples. I wish they'de start replaying songs like that Coke commercial with kids standing on a hillside singing, "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony" or "What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love,' or "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" instead of angry hateful rap.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 14-Jun-2020
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Hello Susan!
I loved working with the ESL students. I taught many of the ESL students how to read in the Reading Recovery program. Wonderful memories...
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Ben Colder
Maturity comes in different forms but yet necessary. From the spiritual side, Jesus said to become matured. Matthew 5 . The carnal side is what we deal with it seems.
It will never change, been here since the beginning of time.
Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Maturity comes in different forms but yet necessary. From the spiritual side, Jesus said to become matured. Matthew 5 . The carnal side is what we deal with it seems.
It will never change, been here since the beginning of time.
Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Good Morning, Ben!
Thank you for your excellent rating and thoughtful review.
diane
Comment from jake cosmos aller
loved this poem but wonder to whom is it addressed to? a specific person or group of people? I like the attitude and the message as well s the word choices and the flow of the poem
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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loved this poem but wonder to whom is it addressed to? a specific person or group of people? I like the attitude and the message as well s the word choices and the flow of the poem
Comment Written 09-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Hello Jake,
Thank you for stopping by and your excellent rating.
Tucked in three of the verses, I share with readers that I am addressing a teacher: "you calmed students' fears," "Many you found dull and unappealing," and "So began your classes each September."
I surely hope she has changed... but I doubt it...
Thank you again!
diane
Comment from lightink
I very much like the question you are leaving us with in this poem.
How much can we trust a public figure's 'image' especially if we knew them to have different views. Your poem left me with such deep longing to know that this person actually grew and learned from his mistakes and him joining the protest is not just one big performance! Such a relevant question with so many public figures! Thank you for sharing this poem!
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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I very much like the question you are leaving us with in this poem.
How much can we trust a public figure's 'image' especially if we knew them to have different views. Your poem left me with such deep longing to know that this person actually grew and learned from his mistakes and him joining the protest is not just one big performance! Such a relevant question with so many public figures! Thank you for sharing this poem!
Comment Written 08-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Hello lightink!
So pleased you enjoyed!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Ulla
Oh Diane, How I wished I had a six to give for this wonderful poem. It is a six for contents and it is a six for the sheer beauty of it. Yes, indeed. Do those indignant voices really mean what they say to months from now? We'll see. but somehow I doubt it. It's just too sad. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Oh Diane, How I wished I had a six to give for this wonderful poem. It is a six for contents and it is a six for the sheer beauty of it. Yes, indeed. Do those indignant voices really mean what they say to months from now? We'll see. but somehow I doubt it. It's just too sad. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 08-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2020
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Hello Ulla!
What a time in which we are living...
So pleased my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
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I know, it is hard to believe. But we are in the midst of it. :)))
