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To Be Woke

If to be “woke” means to be aware To have knowledge of hidden truths, Then we have little reason to beware For truth becomes our brightest youths. I know now how little I was informed [if to be “woke” means to be aware] About the role of Blacks in our history And their subjugation, now I must care. Not responsible for what wasn’t fair, I need to understand the minority angst, If to be “woke” means to be aware -- Teaching the truth is reason for thanks. I grew up under “separate—but equal” So, we were never taught to share, I’m beginning to understand the sequel If to be “woke” means to be aware! Written July 18, 2022

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Mike Gentile

Date: 7/19/2022 4:49:00 AM

I'm not sure how being 'woke" has become a political pawn but like so many other things, it has! I agree that being aware is always a good thing! Great writing Milt!, Happy Tuesday!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/19/2022 9:04:00 AM

Thank you so much, Mike. I really appreciate your affirmative, thoughtful comment. Have a marvelous Tuesday.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/19/2022 3:35:00 AM

I thought "to be woke" meant to hear a voice call your name in the middle of the night, but I really enjoyed your thoughts about it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/19/2022 9:12:00 AM

Oh, Caren, surely you're kidding. To be "woke" has become a buzzword or a flash word of negative connotation for us liberals. I throw it right back at them and say, "I'm very happy to be "awakened" to the truth!

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 7/18/2022 9:49:00 PM

Your heartfelt poem is very nicely written, Milton. 'For truth becomes our brightest youths,' is a favorite line. This is a fave, my friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/19/2022 9:17:00 AM

Thank you, Evelyn. I hope it gets lots of readers because I am deeply concerned about the right wing's intrusion into our educational institutions.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 7/18/2022 6:31:00 PM

Some people find security in being like everyone else. As a child, I always wondered how white people could be so stupid as to wear black clothes in the desert, and still wonder how they could wear so MANY stinky clothes! But then, as now, most people find it best to let sleeping dogs lie . . ..Aloha!

Rico Leffanta
Date: 7/19/2022 6:22:00 PM

"Truth Social" can not compete with Tik Tok (which Trump illegally tried to purchase), so progress may be slow, but keep at it! Aloha!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/18/2022 7:25:00 PM

A great deal of truth to what you said, Rico. I suppose we all need to stand up for our truth, and I plan to. I don't have a captive audience anymore, so I just put it out here occasionally and let it lie where it lies.

Jenna Logan

Date: 7/18/2022 6:31:00 PM

I’ve faved your fine lines, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/18/2022 7:25:00 PM

Thanks, Jenna. I appreciate your thoughts and the FAVE.