A New Confederacy At Long Last

Only now coming down from its mast
The flag of a terrible past
What pain we endure
To see racism’s cure 
So will we have peace at long last?

Author's note:  There will be much more to do before we have economic fairness for all.  Racism is (unfortunately) alive and well in this world of ours.  At some point, people may realize how foolish they have been.  Racism is a sign of a small and closed mind and doesn't jive with reality.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Duncan Avatar
March 14, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Every time I see the confederate flag I think about all the people who died. War ! Glad you liked my The Loneliness Within Me. :)
Beaufort Avatar
March 20, 2017 at 6:48 PM
It is a wonderful thing to visualize the past and learn from it. It's simply amazing how our leaders don't get that.
Nunez Avatar
July 30, 2015 at 6:29 AM
Just got to go back to this Duke. It's only now that I got to read your reply, must have missed it. Anyway, I did have an interesting 4th. It was spend here in my own homeland. You must have mistaken me for someone who lives over there... hahaha. hugs!
Beaufort Avatar
August 7, 2015 at 1:14 PM
Thanks Kim. I sometimes be confused! You are one of the finest voices here, and hearing from you is always appreciated!
A  Avatar
July 20, 2015 at 10:11 PM
I don't know what to say here Duke, but you are so right... Nothing is being handled the right way. I would love to see all the hate go away. Awesome Limerick.... SKAT
Beaufort Avatar
July 22, 2015 at 7:46 PM
I only hope we can make a difference. I keep thinking that the little things we do could have a big impact over time, but I am not sure.
Duncan Avatar
July 17, 2015 at 7:42 PM
racism is an open sore :) haven't posted any new ones . Though I know there are a lot you haven't read ! Hello Duke :)
Beaufort Avatar
July 18, 2015 at 12:47 PM
I just left you a comment. Thank you for being a friend. And yes, there seems to be no end to the lunatics coming out of the woodwork! Peace should prevail, but it does not. We have been very lucky for the most part. Hatred is such a waste of time.
Nance Avatar
July 15, 2015 at 6:52 PM
Wow, I have just discovered you and your talent for limericks, it takes skill to make a point so strong, humorous, and educated in five line poem. I'm going to read more of you, I have enjoyed what I've read thus far :)
Beaufort Avatar
July 17, 2015 at 7:18 AM
I do like limericks because they force me to be short and to the point. I am awed by poets who can write long forms--I can't do it. Sometimes, the idea I have does't exactly come out as intended due to the limitation of the form. You are very sweet to visit and comment. That is much appreciated. We should enjoy the opportunity to make these beautiful combinations of words. Be well.
Sietesantos Avatar
July 11, 2015 at 12:34 AM
Excellent piece, Duke, that addresses this hateful issue. Much has been accomplished, but there is still much more to be done. Yes, it's a long road but right-thinking people are slowly chipping away at the iceberg! Well done and I rate it a solid 7! Warmest regards. Pandita
Beaufort Avatar
July 12, 2015 at 6:31 AM
Pandita, although I grew up in the Northeast, the schools were, in fact segregated through a variety of "tricks". I have been humbled by the realization that many people of all kinds have more to offer than I ever realized when growing up (more to offer than I ever could). Fortunately, the world is changing, but as you say; it will take a long time for the thaw! Reality is difficult for some to accept and change is generally slow. Thank you for your kind comment!
Breidenthal Avatar
July 6, 2015 at 12:29 AM
Peace...what a concept, a revered distant dream to some... a determined future for me! Minds will be open!! Your work has got me thinking good tonight. Always, Laura
Beaufort Avatar
July 7, 2015 at 6:08 PM
Thank you. Did you see there has been a rash of black church fires recently? There is much to do.
Nunez Avatar
July 3, 2015 at 9:11 PM
This is one the very few but compelling short poems on racism that rings with sincerity. Thank you for writing and sharing this, Duke. Have a peaceful 4th!
Beaufort Avatar
July 5, 2015 at 7:04 PM
Kim, thank-you. I have seen a lot of things change over my life time. I am very hopeful that the generation of which you are a part will bring peace to this earth. BTW, I had a very interesting 4th. I hope you did as well.
Wigley Avatar
July 2, 2015 at 8:41 AM
A well written truth, braided with hope. PLease God you're right, Duke. Nice verse. Regards, Viv
Beaufort Avatar
July 5, 2015 at 7:02 PM
You must be a good soul. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people here who have no tolerance and empathy.
Dietrich Avatar
June 29, 2015 at 10:50 AM
thanks for this poem, my friend. That flag is a symbol of all that used to be wrong with our country.
Beaufort Avatar
June 30, 2015 at 3:48 AM
It;s been a long road to get this far.
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