Identity Is Self-Worth

I should embrace the thought of Karma,
that positive aspect that could change me,
instead I rely on my irresistible Charisma
which sparks the friendlessness in me.

I'm more than a kind-hearted man when it
it comes to helping others by lending a hand;
I am the universal believer of honor and respect,
of diversity and equality; I can be anyone's friend.  

These traits were instilled in me by kind people,
who had endless faith in God and smiled at life
even when they faced the most challenging struggle; 
in the land of brotherhood and continuous strife,
my people preserved their identity and great culture
that the invaders envied them for their ampleness of wisdom,
for the richness of their land, so they usurped their kingdom. 

Never being ashamed of what I am and being that light,
I have found my self-worth in loving and compassionate eyes;
and they deserve the right to abundance, and when it's scarce,
they compromise by singing from windows and balconies...
believing that those doing harm are punishing themselves
for envying what they possess: the extraordinary strength to fight.

I lament the decay of institutions, I revel the concept of a rebirth
of the Mezzogiorno* that can put real gold in their empty hands, 
but this image is a deterrent to go forward and be productive;
perhaps in my lifetime, I will not see these changes, it's so elusive
to look away and not consider that this society deserves self-worth
and embark on a journey as their forefathers did in these rich lands.


*  The Mezzogiorno ( Southern Italy ) is still a colony
of Northern Italy since the Unification of Italy
in 1861. King Vittorio Emanuele II ordered a genocide of all the rebels
who opposed his government and that included their families. They were called Briganti ( lawless ). The Italian President Napolitano refused to honor them
with A  Remembrance Day, and yet he honored a king who ordered the massacre of thousands of innocent people including Neapolitan and Bourbon soldiers.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Williams Gault Avatar
June 12, 2016 at 10:08 AM
Envy is at the root of much destruction, well written piece. Congratulations!
Crisci Avatar
June 15, 2016 at 4:35 PM
Greetings. Thank you, Dineen for your kind comment. I am sorry for responding this late. I have appreciated your interest in my poetry. I will be checking out your work and comment on it. Enjoy your evening. Best Wishes, Andrew.
Kimathi Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 10:56 AM
Congrats Andrew, for your placement in the contest!! ;-)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 7:56 AM
Excellent poem and historical context.
Turner Avatar
April 4, 2016 at 2:21 PM
Andrew this would be a good poem for the who are you contest. Great write and enjoyable read. Peace my friend:)
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