Eileen Manassian Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Never Silent

Those who die unjustly
because of bigotry
because of prejudice
because of unadulterated hate
are never silent
their blood cries out
like the blood of innocent Abel
the anguished cries
"I can't Breathe"
"I'm going to die"
rise
rise
up past the blue skies
to the ear of the almighty Judge
who hears
who weeps
who waits
the Day of Judgement
when all the innocent slain
will live again
and all 
who have murdered
who have watched
who have been silent 
will answer
the cries of the risen ones
for they WILL speak and say...

"What had we done
that you saw fit
to snuff out our lives
to suffocate out of hate
to pin to the ground
to grind our faces into the dirt
the pain, the hurt
you didn't hear
out of fear
you brought us low
and now, we know
our Defender is near
Judgement Day is here

Why? oh why
did color matter
and not character?
why did ethnicity label
instead of enable
beautiful diversity.
Answer, answer now
No...Wait...be silent as the grave
Listen as we inhale...exhale

Now...Now we can breathe free!"

Eileen Manassian
In honor of George Floyd

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The Situation October 12, 2023 at 12:23 PM I protested because of this. I had to stop reading too emotional. But the poem i just wrote is an answer to this. I hope you read it. It's called Self Satisfaction.

James Horn December 26, 2020 at 5:12 PM Silent Night just past along with the First Noel which about Jesus would tell; so sit down for a short spell and have Harry give them hell. Am reading Joe Scaborough's book about Truman that my wife got me for Christmas. Jim Horn Miss hearing from you.

James Inman September 6, 2020 at 7:45 PM Another strong impassioned write Eileen.

Harry Horsman August 6, 2020 at 1:56 AM Hi Eileen, thinking so much of you since that awful blast, and all of those innocent people, i believe you are safe, thank God....

Mark Koplin July 16, 2020 at 6:46 PM I’m sorry that I did not read your poem before now. You did an absolute wonderful job here. I’m sorry if I offended you or anyone else hear for standing up to Keith and his unacceptable behavior. Great poem! Eileen Manassian July 19, 2020 at 8:29 AM I was surprised to read Keith's blog... which I don't see up anymore. I had no idea that it was in reference to this poem and am surprised to read your comment. I know there have been some issues with you two before, but I didn't realise that the latest was connected to this. Thank you for your visit, Mark. No need to apologise. There was no expectation. I believe in my stance. Keith is free to disagree as long as it's done in a polite way. I wouldn't delete his comments, though I do take issue if he directs them to any guest on my page.

Darlene De Beaulieu July 2, 2020 at 6:21 PM Hello Eileen Manassian, people should learn to live together no matter the color of their skin. Enjoy your evening my friend. Eileen Manassian July 19, 2020 at 8:31 AM I believe so too. Thank you for your visit. Enjoy your day...

Connie Marcum Wong June 22, 2020 at 1:20 PM I agree with what John says here Eileen. The changes will come with each of us fighting for what is right. Brilliant writing my friend. Blessings xxoo Eileen Manassian June 23, 2020 at 11:43 PM Thanks for the visit, Connie. Let's hope that change will come. This has become a world wide movement, so in a sense, greater awareness has come already.

Joanna Daniel June 22, 2020 at 5:51 AM Brilliant poem in support of Floyd, Eileen, one day God is going to judge all wrong-doers, as you have very well pointed out:) Eileen Manassian June 24, 2020 at 12:42 AM Thanks, Jo. There's still a long way to go. We can only use our words to raise awareness. I do believe a day of judgement is coming.

John Watt June 20, 2020 at 6:15 PM I salute beautiful diversity, Eileen. I love your lines "Why? oh why / did color matter / and not character? why did ethnicity label / instead of enable". Echoes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We need more voices like this in the world. Eloquent and impassioned to get through to the deaf ears. God hears the blood crying out from the ground. Amen to all your words, thank you for writing them and sharing. Hugs ~ John Eileen Manassian June 24, 2020 at 12:44 AM Thanks, John. Your comments are always thoughtful and uplifting. They sooth a frusterated and tired heart. Blessings to you. We can only hope and believe that justice will one day prevail.

Kim Rodrigues June 20, 2020 at 3:18 PM So awful...not awful - heinous. It ripped our hearts out. We still can’t breathe. God sees all! Eileen Manassian June 24, 2020 at 12:44 AM It does...it truly does. No one can see the video and remain unchanged. Thanks for the post, Kim. Blessings.

Paul Callus June 18, 2020 at 4:44 AM Eileen, your heartfelt poem express clearly how you and many others feel about this latest episode which has caused such a furore worldwide. I have been closely following what the media has had to say, while trying to respect different opinions. Let's hope extremism does not get the upper hand and that justice will prevail. Hugs // paul Eileen Manassian June 23, 2020 at 11:41 PM The situation is not getting better, dear Paul. There are still those who march for equality. I wish I could support in a more tangible way. My heart is discouraged from the current state of affairs worldwilde. It's just too much to process and I feel overwhelmed. Hope all is well with you and those dear to your heart. Blessings.

Reggae Magnet June 10, 2020 at 6:51 PM It is through the medium of poetry we can channel some of our emotions in these difficult times. It resonates with me and I sincerely hope that finally the conversation which needs to be had an the wanton brutality and discrimination faced by blacks in the USA on a daily basis will be addressed. Unfortunately the dinosaurs amongst us who have thrived as a result of injustice feel threatened because their false advantage is threatened by fairness Mark Koplin July 16, 2020 at 6:37 PM Well first of all I will commend you Reggae for not stooping to Keith’s level. He is a racist troll and a bully. Now Keith you were just blasting me from all directions that you don’t bully women or anybody else and I should just name one person that you have trolled or bullied. Do you still want me to name names Keith?? You commented once and you were asked politely to stop and you didn’t. That is being a bully. Eileen Manassian June 14, 2020 at 6:55 AM I'd like to see your resources. The world wouldn't be up in arms if that were true. Eileen Manassian June 11, 2020 at 5:46 AM Why was she the first black to win an award... WHY in 2020 are we still dealing with so many firsts when it comes to people of colour. Why? They have every right to be represented. They always have. Eileen Manassian June 11, 2020 at 5:44 AM Keith...I know a lot of things done are just to ensure political correctness. I'm not speaking to that. Jeff Bezos has joined the movement and is getting backlash from people who are still unaware of how people of colour deal with racism on a daily basis. White people admit police make them feel safe (statement by Natalie Portman). Yet even she has joined the moment because she realizes that people of color live in constant fear of the police. Bezos echoes that sentiment. I know it's easy to take things to extreme, which isn't wise either. My poem does not speak to any of these issues. It's about a man who was murdered unjustly. It's about police brutality towards black people, which is documented and undeniable. I support the movement toward equality. Eileen Manassian June 10, 2020 at 11:32 PM Keith, the language you use is not appreciated or wanted on my page. I am sad that you have so much anger inside of you that you feel you need to vent. The fight against racism towards people of color has become a world wide movement that includes people from every field. People in the world of entertainment are disassociating themselves from those who have made racists comments. The NFL has apologized for how it has treated those who took the knee...and lawmakers are forming new laws to ensure less violence towards people of color. Obviously this is something that you are unable or incapable of seeing. If you are going to make rude comments, please don't visit my page. Eileen Manassian June 10, 2020 at 11:27 PM Thanks, Reggae. I appreciate the visit and the comment. I especiually like your last sentense about those who feel that their advantage is threatened by fairness. Very well worded. Wishing you every blessing. Hope that this world wide movement towards bringing the ills of racism against people of color will bring about needed change.

Richard Lamoureux June 7, 2020 at 9:11 AM In answer to Keith’s question, yes black people are being oppressed and have been since they were removed from their homes when first put into slavery. The country and economy is built on their backs and still they do not have their equal share in its bounty. Mark Koplin July 17, 2020 at 7:21 AM There is still a lot of racism and segregation in the south today. You don't see it much up here in the North but the South indeed. My son went to Memphis last week to visit a friend. They went to his parents lake home. The association that it is located in does not allow blacks or gays. So yes Keith it is still going on today Eileen Manassian June 7, 2020 at 11:52 PM Please watch this video. I don't know if you care to. It's been shared on FB. I tried to find it on youtube. Unfortunately the subtitles aren't English, but the narration is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ Eileen Manassian June 7, 2020 at 12:30 PM Richard... thank you for sharing. I hope this will be an impetus for change.... for equality. They don't get fair treatment in courts either. Rich white young men who rape get left off while black ones falsely accused of rape get incarcerated... like in the case of the Central Park jogger. Sad...

Eve Roper June 6, 2020 at 12:49 PM Silent One is right some people just don't get it. Great tribute. Hugs Eve Eileen Manassian June 7, 2020 at 12:31 PM Some never will. It's too ingrained in their psyche. Anyway... thank you for visiting and commenting. Hugs

Silent One June 6, 2020 at 6:17 AM Some people will just not get it... It is well known that White cops treat black people differently and with more brutality in the USA, this has been told to me many times by former police associates.. Your poem is has a great message.. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 6:50 AM Thanks, SO. I felt convicted to write this. PS was promoting poems of this nature. I got an email about it. My brother and his family went to a peaceful demonstration in California. I raise awareness on the platforms that I have. Silence is no longer permissible. From what I gather, those who are looting are facing charges when caught.

Richard Lamoureux June 6, 2020 at 3:00 AM The person who speaks the loudest is not always right. I like your soft and even handed approach Eileen. Hugs Rick. We just watched a documentary about how systematically white society has benefited by keeping Black people oppressed. It was very enlightening. Hugs Rick. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:51 PM Thanks for the information, Richard. Knowledge is power. Blessings Richard Lamoureux June 6, 2020 at 10:13 AM Amendment 13 of the USA constitution is quite telling and has been used to keep Black men oppressed while increasing corporate profits. One in 13 white men are in-prisoned compared to one in three for black men. They make up 40 percent of the prison population even though they are only 13 percent of the overall population. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 7:22 AM Of course they do. Of course they do. No one ever suggested that they didn't. Who would want live in a society without law enforcement? Just... be aware of the problem and work to solve it. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 6:54 AM Keith...I guess you're closing your eyes and ears to news, documentaries, personal testimony. There's really nothing more that can be said on this. I won't be answering any more of your comments on my page. Your stance saddens me. It's part of why there's such chaos in the US right now. Turning a blind eye to reality will just cause civil unrest to continue. This kind of attitude perpetuates that. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 3:25 AM Thanks, Rick. I know you understand. Some aren't even aware of the issue. That's the saddest thing. I know to a small degree what discrimination is like. With my previous passport I was treated like a potential terrorist. With my European passport.. I'm treated with respect and deference. It hurts because I'm the same person, but my place of birth makes a difference to some. It's but a small example of what racism can do.

Poet Destroyer A June 6, 2020 at 1:56 AM Hello, Eileen this is deep and hurts to know it's a subject we are struggling with right now. The officers will pay for the hurt and murder of George. However, at the same time we are pressed against a glass and being taken advantage of. I'm sad over the innocent lives lost to his cause. I'm proud to read this. Linda. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 3:46 AM Thanks for the bday wishes. :) Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 3:45 AM Hi, PD. I know there's a lot of pain in the US at the moment. It has spilled over into the rest of the world. Those who want to take advantage of the situation must be held accountable. The looting and vandalism is wrong. However, that shouldn't take away from the message of the protests... Black Lives Matter. Thanks for stopping by... Poet Destroyer A June 6, 2020 at 1:56 AM Happy Birthday, Eileen

Mystic Rose Rose June 5, 2020 at 3:30 PM When will come the day that we will realize our blood is the same color, So are our souls. How sad dear poet. Will we ever learn, xo Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:26 AM I don't think we will learn when people refuse to see the problem, Pixie. There are people who will never admit that this exists...and that's why the anger and frusteration is rising. Yes, our blood is the same color. Hugs, dear one.

Ilene Bauer June 5, 2020 at 2:36 PM a beautiful and very touching tribute, eileen! i keep wondering what's going through the mind of that cop with the knee on floyd's neck. could he have had any idea what his actions would start? Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:27 AM 8 and some minutes, dear....all while he is saying..."I can't breathe...I'm going to die". Nothing justifies that, and the simple fact that those officers have been take to the court of law shows that what they did was criminal. Thanks for passing by. We need an awakening.

Jan Allison June 5, 2020 at 1:33 PM such a heartfelt tribute Ilene the repercussions on his death will continue for a long long time:-( hugs Jan xx Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:31 AM I think change will be forthcoming...if slow. I've been disturbed by these events. Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor..... Amaud Avery was shot down while jogging and was called a racial slur as he lay dying. George Floyd. This is just a very short list. It's sad...

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders June 5, 2020 at 11:19 AM A heartfelt and moving tribute, Eileen...we are seeing a change. I do have faith that love will win over hate. Sadly, there's been too much media emphasis on the rioting and looting. Those people are only a small fraction of the movement. The peaceful protesters and activists FAR outnumber those criminals who are taking advantage of the situation. I'm just sorry that so many had to die for us to get to this point in history. Thank you for sharing your loving heart, Eileen! Hugs, Rhonda Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:34 AM Yes...the rioting and looting is WRONG. People who highjack any movement for the good to divert it to their own purposes...but as you said...it is a fraction of the movement. You write that I have a loving heart. I thank you for that. I'm trying to raise awareness. These days have taken their toll on my heart. I can't believe the cruelty of man to man. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. One needs to see man's cruelty to animals to believe that some are inherently evil.

Richard Lamoureux June 5, 2020 at 7:27 AM Heartfelt and poignant write Eileen. These are disturbing times. I hope they bring about the needed change. Hugs Rick. Eileen Manassian June 6, 2020 at 12:34 AM I hope so. It will take time...Others will die for the cause as is happening right now...but not to speak up is to be complaicent.