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Notes About The Poem

Echo poem to my favorite poet Maya Angelou See And still I rise for reference.

Although I'm not black their experience and suffering resonates with me.

I Am Strong

I am strong

You may simply disregard me
with your arrogant throng
You may treat me with disrespect
I'm still here, I am strong

Why don't you like it when I succeed?
Why can't you be happy for me?
I walk on air, confidently
so, foot loose and fancy free

Just like hope and like faith
and the sureness of birdsong
I know where I belong...
I    am    strong

Did you want me to be shaking
so scared and all alone?
Feeling lost and so abandoned
with nowhere to call my home?

Does my happiness distress you?
Does it make you feel upset?
That I'm at peace lovin' myself
Livin' life without regret?

You may shred me with sarcasm
You can say I don't belong
You can hate me with your jealousy
But still, like iron, I'm strong

Does my confidence disturb you?
Can you not visualize?
That my words are captivating
and the crowds they mesmerize? 

From ancestral farmers sowing seed
I am strong
From hardy men of faith who believed
I am strong
I'm a true wordsmith, spinning words so true
weaving and knitting, as true poets do.

Never giving in to fear or to doubt
I am strong
I know what the love of God is about
I am strong
Building on the faith my forefathers had
I encourage the weak, make their hearts glad
I'm strong
I'm strong
I'm strong



John Derek Hamilton
August 17,2016

characterconfidencediscriminationhateidentityfree verse

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jen rynbrandt

Date: 2/12/2024 7:04:00 AM

Hello John- I'm the arts editor for Sonder online magazine, a publication of Conservatarian Press, where I am an editor. I found that a portion of this "I am strong" poem may pair well with a short story that we are publishing in our Winter 2024 edition. Was wondering if you'd mind if we consider it? I'd also encourage you to submit poems on our ConservatarianPress.com website for our Sonder magazine. Thank you ! J.W.Rynbrandt

John Hamilton
Date: 3/14/2024 7:44:00 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed my write "I am strong". If you would consider it to publish I would be honored. I will check out your website. Thanks John

Ximena Castillo

Date: 9/6/2020 10:24:00 AM

I love this poem!!

John Hamilton
Date: 9/6/2020 2:17:00 PM

Thank you Ximena, it is a poem that many can relate to, it doesn't matter what happens in our life we can be strong with God's help. It doesn't matter what people believe about us, what matters most is what God thinks, and if he is happy then we can feel good about ourselves. Thanks for the kind words.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 11/11/2019 10:53:00 AM

Simply beautiful, John!! Love the message, as well the messenger. Supernova bright write! Love and peace always.

John Hamilton
Date: 11/11/2019 11:33:00 AM

Thanks Freddie for your kind words and visit to this oldie but goodie, I feel strong after reading this again, it will always make the weak feel strong, glad you enjoyed!

Heather Crismond

Date: 9/15/2019 5:15:00 AM

That was amazing and totally went to my fav list. I've just recently realized how hateful people can be and in turn how much strength I posses. But I'm also slowly remembering that there is good to be found in them to. But I'd rather stick with nature lol:)

John Hamilton
Date: 9/15/2019 8:28:00 AM

Thanks Heather for faving this that means a lot to me!

Edmund Strempfl

Date: 8/1/2019 7:18:00 PM

Very strong psychological and spiritual feel and uplifting enjoyable

John Hamilton
Date: 8/1/2019 9:13:00 PM

Thanks Edmund glad you enjoyed, it helps me too when I'm down!

Kristina Whitmore

Date: 11/8/2017 1:01:00 PM

Wow John I must comment on how this poem when read made me feel more empowered in my belief of my own strength. Really an amazing and inspiring write.

John Hamilton
Date: 11/8/2017 4:39:00 PM

Thanks Kristina, it does seem to have that effect. When I'm down or discouraged I read it and feel better, glad you could benefit, feels good hearing that, have a great day!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/6/2017 7:13:00 PM

I came to see what was ranked as your BEST poem, and I was not disappointed. I see this one resonated with folks very well. It's a very well written and powerful message!

John Hamilton
Date: 10/6/2017 9:35:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, yeah it's getting a lot of reads lately, don't know why. It seems to resonate with people because so many have been downtrodden, and abused, and looked down upon, and others like me persecuted for their faith, and this gives them hope that they too can be strong, like Maya said "and still I rise !

Curtis Johnson

Date: 9/28/2017 8:18:00 PM

I love this John. While reading this, I not only saw the strength so firmly built inside of you, but I felt energized by your powerful words. May these words ring out like a bell across our land, reminding the weak to say, I AM STRONG!!!!

John Hamilton
Date: 9/28/2017 9:44:00 PM

Thanks you so much for your words of encouragement Curtis, I forgot how much impact this poem has, it's actually a message I too need now, not feeling so strong at this moment, thanks again!

Curtis Johnson

Date: 9/28/2017 7:34:00 PM

Thanks for your comments John. Thanks for the opportunity. It was rather challenging.

John Hamilton
Date: 9/28/2017 9:42:00 PM

No problem Curtis, thanks for your nice visit!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 11/14/2016 10:51:00 PM

A very belated congratulations on POTD John. This poem shows your faith and strength and the love you would like to share with others. Lovely! Bravo! 7 : )

John Hamilton
Date: 11/15/2016 10:42:00 AM

Thanks Connie

Paul Callus

Date: 8/29/2016 4:56:00 PM

You appear to have given a lot of yourself in this poem, John. I can feel your faith, strength and conviction. Congratulations on this fine win. Regards // paul

John Hamilton
Date: 8/29/2016 8:39:00 PM

Thanks Paul, this one means a lot to me personally, I appreciate the supportive comments! Have a great day!

Phillip Garcia

Date: 8/29/2016 10:23:00 AM

I don't have to tell you how gorgeous this is, I'm sure you already know, but I'm going to anyways (that was me saying it's gorgeous). The second stanza stood out for me, it Just seemed to click the right amount of variation. Thank you sharing this with us

John Hamilton
Date: 8/29/2016 2:07:00 PM

Love your visit and comment! Thanks for your kind words, she gets the praise for her inspirational work that has and will inspire for generations, I merely emulated her work so really, it's not so great, but I appreciate the positive comments received.

Tom Arnone

Date: 8/27/2016 10:23:00 PM

I see why Seeker chose this fine poem -- not an imitation, but a singular inspiration. Congrats! :-)

John Hamilton
Date: 8/28/2016 6:21:00 AM

Thanks Tom, much appreciated, this poem means a lot to me personally.

Janis Medders Tobechi

Date: 8/27/2016 8:22:00 PM

This is wonderful John. Glad to know I have a brother in the struggle. I think you did a great job with the Maya style.

John Hamilton
Date: 9/6/2020 2:19:00 PM

Yes we are one race, the human race, it's cliche and overused but it's true, we bleed the same blood!

Janis Medders Tobechi
Date: 8/31/2016 4:28:00 PM

No, I am African American.

John Hamilton
Date: 8/27/2016 9:43:00 PM

Thanks Janis, was a privilege to emulate her work. Brother? You a JW?

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/27/2016 7:16:00 PM

This is terrific, John! Blessings.

John Hamilton
Date: 8/27/2016 9:40:00 PM

Thanks Kim, yours was stellar!

Sandra Haight

Date: 8/27/2016 6:30:00 PM

A wonderful poem, John, written in tribute to Maya Angelou's style. Congratulations on your well-deserved win. Sandra

John Hamilton
Date: 8/27/2016 9:40:00 PM

Thanks Sandra to you too!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/27/2016 5:08:00 PM

A most beautiful tribute to a lovely talented lady who is very much missed. Congratulations on this wonderful poem making the list John! ; ) 7

John Hamilton
Date: 8/27/2016 9:39:00 PM

Thanks Connie.

Eve Roper

Date: 8/27/2016 4:57:00 PM

John, back to congratulate you again on this wonderful poem. Hugs Eve

John Hamilton
Date: 8/27/2016 9:39:00 PM

Thanks Eve, was a privilege to emulate this grand lady!

Gary Bateman

Date: 8/26/2016 4:41:00 AM

Hello John, This one's really a nice write. Congratulation of POTD!! A great tribute for sure. Cheers and Best, Gary

John Hamilton
Date: 8/26/2016 6:39:00 AM

Thanks Gary, for the visit and the read, and your kind words, very much appreciated. She was a marvel whose life and poetry resonated with me. Thanks again.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 8/25/2016 1:00:00 PM

You need a hug consider yourself hugged.I like the Mennonite people.t They were very helpful when helping me out at an out door market,my husband and I were selling lemonade aid. I enjoyed your poetry.

John Hamilton
Date: 8/25/2016 3:27:00 PM

Thanks for your comment, the Mennonites that I know are nice people for sure, thanks for your encouraging words.