Consciousness Correction

I thought anger was a negative emotion
to be avoided at all costs.
Then I thought about the oppressed.
Anger grew inside of me.

I chose to act upon that anger.
I used my voice to speak against the oppressor.
Even so, I measured my motivation 
tempered my response with love and wisdom.
My desire, beyond the lust for recognition.

If my words gain recognition,
I will purposefully pass them to the oppressed.
Their stature and power shall rise.
Their voices will gain resonance.
It is not their guilt and shame to hold.

Prejudice is a horse without a rider.
Fear and hate power its hooves.
Sadness flows through its mane.
Righteous Anger must take the reins.

Once again the oppressed will have pride.
There will be no aversion to kindness.
Greed will be replaced by generosity.
To go against the will of God
will be counted as an embarrassment.
A new light will shine upon the world.
Peace and purpose are indeed possible.

Unseeking Seeker’s “Consciousness Correction” Poetry Contest. Written November 22, 2023.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Goldsmith Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 8:18 AM
Congratulations on being number 15 in the "100 Best New Poems" list for Soup with your powerful write. Have a great/wonderful day/2024 writing away.................
Lamoureux Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 8:22 AM
Thanks and Happy New Year Paula.
Kauffman Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 11:33 AM
Masterfully composed, Richard! I especially love the fourth stanza where the realization of the way to use "righteous anger" comes into your consciousness - removing hate from your anger and actions giving it courage as a powerful weapon for change. So happy to see this on the winner's list. Congrats and high fives!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 12:49 PM
Thanks for thoughtfully considering my words.
Pandit Avatar
December 1, 2023 at 5:16 AM
Meaningful, insightful poem, Richard. BIG congrats on POTD.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 1, 2023 at 7:04 AM
Thanks Vijay.
Goldsmith Avatar
November 30, 2023 at 7:48 AM
WOW!!! Back with Congratulations on another wonderful win. I enjoyed reading your powerful write again.  Have a wonderful/blessed day with your win................
Lamoureux Avatar
November 30, 2023 at 5:59 PM
Thanks Paula, I appreciate you dropping back.
Poet Avatar
November 30, 2023 at 6:23 AM
Richard, you have beautifully conveyed this poem. Congratulations on your placement
Lamoureux Avatar
November 30, 2023 at 6:46 AM
Much appreciated.
Rodgers Avatar
November 27, 2023 at 4:56 AM
Richard, your poem is a powerful exploration of the transformative potential of anger when channeled toward justice and change. Your thoughtful reflections on oppression and the role of righteous outrage in challenging it offer a compelling perspective. - Blessings, Daniel
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2023 at 3:32 PM
Thanks, this is a thoughtful response.
Roper Avatar
November 26, 2023 at 7:41 PM
Temper down with love and wisdom. Great inspirational verse.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2023 at 9:49 PM
Thanks Eve. Blessings Richard.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
November 26, 2023 at 7:10 AM
Huge congratulations on your honour of POTD, Richard! Your message is so strong - totally agree with your perception of righteous anger. Best wishes ~
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2023 at 2:20 PM
Much appreciated. Blessings Richard.
Baker Avatar
November 25, 2023 at 8:47 AM
A powerful and needed message, Rick. Thanks for sharing an example of how righteous anger can be a positive. Congratulations on your POTD! It is well deserved, my friend. May your day be filled with blessings, Bill
Lamoureux Avatar
November 25, 2023 at 2:42 PM
Thanks Bill. Blessings to you as well.
Buehler Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 8:57 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful poem's selection as POTD. Blessings and hugs. :)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 25, 2023 at 7:59 AM
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Nicole Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 8:14 PM
Richard, when kindness reaches a heart, doubt and fear depart. True, anger is an emotion, but to calm the rolling tide, one must walk away. (The sea will calm, when the wind ceases.) Your thoughts are powerful. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 8:49 PM
Much appreciated. Thanks for your visit.
Jones Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 1:44 PM
Congrats on a poignant potd!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:03 PM
Thanks so much.
Buhagiar Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 11:36 AM
Congratulations on the honor of your POTD
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Much appreciated.
Fowler Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 11:15 AM
Peace and purpose Richard - lovely. Congratulations on the honor of your POTS! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Thanks Linda.
May Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 9:39 AM
The anger of the oppressed seethes below the surface, Congrats on POTD
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Thanks Joseph.
Andresen Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 9:05 AM
- Richard, congratulations on your p.o.t.d. - Brilliant poem :) - hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:05 PM
You are sweet.
Doll Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 7:05 AM
Richard, another masterpiece. Congratulations on POTD~ Warren
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:05 PM
Thanks Warren.
Goldsmith Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A powerful write. One should never go against the will of God. Have a very blessed day writing away..................
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:05 PM
True. Thanks for reading.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 6:21 AM
There is a righteous anger… “Even so, I measured my motivation tempered my response with love and wisdom. My desire, beyond the lust for recognition.” And love the last 4 lines. You are a thinker not irrational. Be blessed! Congratulations on POTD
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:06 PM
What a wonderful comment.
Turner Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:48 AM
Richard congratulations on POTD.I particularly like the last paragraph. Great writing!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:06 PM
Much appreciated Daniel.
George Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:29 AM
A very inspirational poem. Your resolve to replace the negative emotions like anger should be everyone's resolve. Anger, if it is excess can do more harm than we can imagine... it leads to strained relationships and even to crime. Your poem reflects the goodness of your heart. Congratulations on your well deserved POTD, Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:08 PM
Well said.
Mcintosh Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:27 AM
Back to Congratulate you on POTD. Much love and blessings, Gina
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Thanks for dropping back.
Kitchin Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 4:50 AM
Richard, a well penned, thought provoking poem, congratulations on POTD!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Thanks Tania.
Messina Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 3:27 AM
Such a wonderful/brilliant write, Rick. Congratulations on POTD! Charlie
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Thanks Charles.
Edmonds  Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 2:04 AM
Wonderful poetry Richard, hopefully ‘A new light will shine upon the world’ - absolutely love verse four. Congratulations on receiving the award for poem of the day… Belle
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Thanks Belle.
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace