Best Jr Poems
it was the sixties
we were young
we were going to change the world
spin it like a basketball on our finger
take the three point shot
win the game
we had great leaders
john, robert, martin...
the planet was singing
with the purity of a four year old
...
The ants go marching two by two;
The little one stops to tie his shoe,
...
then
it started raining bullets
our optimism soured
slightly at first
and the grassy knoll
and the sniper
and the magic bullet
john was shot
jackie squirmed
we sat on the edge of our seats
The ants go marching four by four;
The little one stops to shut the door,
John F. Kennedy was assassinated
The ants go marching five by five;
The little one stops to take a dive,
years had passed, five
look before you dive
the civil rights movement gathered
to fight for their God given rights
the right to be treated as humans
exactly that...humans...no more no less.
to listen to the man who had said
"Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon
which cuts without wounding and ennobles
the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."
the man who stood on the hill speaking
"I have a dream today!"
The ants go marching seven by seven;
The little one stops to pray to heaven,
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
Martin Luther King Jr. was shot
died
and my God it rained
it rained salt
as a nation black and white cried
The ants go marching nine by nine;
The little one stops to check the time,
time for the rise of Bobby
Hoorah! Hoorah!
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
i wish he could have ran faster than the bullets
they murdered John's brother
Robert F. Kennedy was dead
the sixties where almost finished
and i wondered
if the world would ever be the same
again
I marched away buried my face into the ground
To get out of my pain.
great leaders lost
words that radiated
radiate hope
America was
the envy of the world
it's two thousand sixteen
and we have sunk so deep into the dirt
i know we can't Trump this disaster
have you ever heard of fools gold
we have a choice
our lives count
remember the ants
nature's banner is blowing in the wind
don't make
the little one shout
"THE END!!"
March 16 2016
armand
Where Love Grew
Beneath the maple tree
is where our love first started to grow
Green buds of unblossomed love,
basking in the golden dappled light
of spring’s awakening
A sweet kiss given,
sweet as maple ...
given beneath the swaying branches
Dancing to the wind music of spring,
as you lullabied me with sweet whisperings
Under the unshaded maple tree
is where our love first began to seed,
and take root into the heart of me
Beneath the maple tree
is where your love started to grow inside of me
Your love lifted me above the branches so high
It took me beyond the expansion
of the bright blue sky
Lasting longer than time
marked in tree rings to be seen
For in the seed of growth came strength of bond
that flourished on soft emerald grass,
under the shaded maple tree
Through rain and sun,
all storms to pass
Our sweet whisperings of love do last
Within my heart, within my soul,
I am as tall as the maple tree with you
We are still dancing to the wind music
each spring anew
Beneath the maple tree
where our love grew
Heidi Sands collaboration with Freddie Robinson Jr.
3/10/17
Sang like a whippoorwill, up high on a hill
Played trumpet like Satchmo, with panache and skill
To watch that man tap-dance, gave even Gregory Hines a thrill
As Ella Fitzgerald told us, 'Sammy's pure talent' distilled
November 07, 2019
Your Favorite Artist Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke
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Notes:
1. See 'The Birth of the Blues,' (movie) c. 1955, b & w,
to view Sammy's exceptional singing, trumpet
playing, and tap-dancing ability. (4:39 clip)
2 See 'Tap,' (movie clip) 1981, to view Gregory Hines,
a remarkable tapper himself, in awe of Sammy's
(and his friends') tap-dancing.
3 See clip of 'Ed Sullivan Show,' 1964, (3 minutes,
27 seconds) to see Ella introduce Sammy as 'pure
talent,' and then to view their incredible jazz singing.
Words would fail me if I might assay
To articulate the courage of this man.
The numerous facets of his dossier
Are subject for song in a distant land.
Awakened in youth from serene dreams
By the melodious blast of Israel’s horn.
Tall standing received earth’s esteems,
Accepting God’s charge wherefore he was born.
His marble image cleaves the bluest sky,
And his halo is now a crown about his brow.
His peace of mind earth can no longer deny,
For he has now fulfilled his earthly vow.
It can only suppose with the midnight of the mind,
What may be reason’s welcome morning star.
One day he may return even more divine,
With a holier task from God who reigns from afar.
There’s no thunder heard from Sinai’s height,
And we see no parting waves at Jordan’s bank.
We have followed no truer soldier in our darkest night,
And now are marching on bravely in file and rank.
Rolling on in faith toward the welcome dawn,
The good fight won he’s earned the honor of Moses.
Now trekking the soul’s desert to the divine throne,
He follows God’s light up the street of yellow roses.
With sadness, that never ceased,
I watched your Father shot on live television.
I was living in Chicago and Elena, a baby
in my arms asleep.
Your Father, Robert had just won California
and “on to Chicago” was his mission.
Sirhan-Sirhan., anti-Isreal, pro-Palestinian ,
shot your father in the hotel’s kitchen, near dead.
I sat in Chicago, in tearful disbelief, and all I could
feel was profoundest grief!
Screaming crowds wept as deep crimson-
warm, blood seeped from your father’s head.
And here you are now with your lovely wife and
actress, Cheryl Hines, about to follow in your
Father’s footsteps!
Your voice may sound strange as you are
affected by spasmodic dysphonia.
I am just an extraordinary American because I
do not think one party is a religion whose
Ordinances must be obeyed and kept.
For anyone, who would like to see
Robert Kennedy Jr. Mon, October 9th!
Soupmail me.
Thank you!
Daddy somebody shot that man
I heard this eleven year old say
I didn't really understand at the time
I just knew a man was dead
But with the years that followed
I came to learn how much he meant
To this world in its great need
And how well that time was spent
He preached of equality he preached of peace
As he spoke of man as one
He marched his way down city streets
Facing adversity with the face of love
He was done with all the hatred
That fills so many lives
To him color was a vision
Of equality in his eyes
A life so young a life cut short
By the wicked in us all
Will you stand with me and follow him
Will you heed his righteous call
To call every man your brother
The way Martin Luther King Jr. did
To keep the vision of this visionary alive
A reality in which all mankind should live
I was that eleven year old boy so many years ago and still remember that moment I heard and told my father the news...
We even visited the tragic site where this great man lost his life that day in Memphis. The thing is he knew his days were numbered but refused to give up on equality for all people...
Happy Birthday my friend, my hero...long live your memory.
Why can’t we be judged by the content of our character?
Are we now racist, because of white privilege and black lives matter?
This is our new wall, racism is still dividing,
these two profound statements are creating bitter chatter.
Dr. King lost his life because of his dream in 63,
segregation is what this great man envisioned would one day leave.
The architects of our Republic intended all men to be free,
our declaration of independence is what we now need to believe.
As a people we need to remember, all of our positive achievements,
we need to move forward and continue to gain ground.
We need to focus on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We are all created equal, this evident truth has got to be found.
We all need to sit down at the table of brotherhood.
Everything we do right now, needs to be done together.
We need to erase all of our anger and live here as one people
if we join our hearts, there is no storm we can’t weather.
August 7,2020
*inspired by Dr. Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream speech*
Strand Completely New (19) Any form, Any Theme Poetry Contest
Did you tire of one President's lecturing and preaching?
Do you cringe at another's tweets, his lechery and "leechering?"
Then as George W Bush Jr's term fades from the annals of recency
Let us recall the stirring words of this man of abiding decency
"Junior" as the USA's President was a bit of an anomaly
As he observed: "I know how hard it is to put food on your family." (Jan, 2000)
It was rather hard to take his Presidency all too seriously
After this: "I know the human being and fish can coexist." (Sept., 2000)
For education, he and Laura shared a passion, a yearning
To wit: "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?" (Jan, 2000)
Of course, Bush could also be sharp as a tack, downright uncanny
Like the time he bragged, "They misunderestimated me!" (Nov, 2000)
And after eight years in office, "W" had become quite the orator
As seen in this reflection: "I think I was unprepared for war, --er." (Dec, 2008)
So there you have it, a smattering of evidence
~ That speaking the King's English is not required of a President
With sadness, that never ceased,
I watched your Father shot on live television.
I was living in Chicago and Elena, a baby
in my arms asleep.
Your Father, Robert had just won California
and “on to Chicago” was his mission.
Sirhan-Sirhan., anti-Isreal, pro-Palestinian ,
shot your father in the hotel’s kitchen, near dead.
I sat in Chicago, in tearful disbelief, and all I could
feel was profoundest grief!
Screaming crowds wept as deep crimson-
warm, blood seeped from your father’s head.
And here you are now with your lovely wife and
actress, Cheryl Hines, about to follow in your
Father’s footsteps!
Your voice may sound strange as you are
affected by spasmodic dysphonia.
I am just an ordibary American because I
do not think one party is a religion whose tenets
are absolute truth.
@@ This is not an an endorsement on his campaign@@
Panagiota Romips.
As of this date, this poem has had …1,660 reads!! I congratulate all who commented, this was never a POTD or POTW. Your interest in American history is far more moving! Thanks to each who read it. Pangie.xx
This comment, posted 3/20/2024! Bless all of you.!
Re Posted 3/18/2024
twenty years ago you came to Berean and as pastor took up the reins
you've led us on a spiritual journey and we've never been the same
and like the Brooklyn Bridge your foundation has stood the test of time
you preach to us the Gospel and demonstrate to us God's Kind
like the Brooklyn Bridge you stretch out your hands and bring people together
you've showed us how to be better fishers of men in any and all types of weather
it's maroon and not burgundy that is your favorite color of preference
and if any one should ever ask you why you'll give them the historical reference
you're passionate in your preaching and teaching of the word of God
and when you give the proclamation we feel it coming from your heart
twenty years ago you were the youngest man to ever take up the towel of service
it was your God-given destiny to serve Berean in this purpose
twenty years ago you and your family to Brooklyn did arrive
and blessed us with a leadership that has made Berean thrive
twenty years ago and not many would ever have perceived
that you would be the perfect pastor that Berean could ever receive
CONGRATULATIONS on achieving this milestone
and may you have another 20 years and more
WE LOVE YOU, WE SALUTE YOU, PASTOR GRIFFIN IT'S YOU WE ADORE
No other school compared to junior high.
In grade school I was average and shy.
But something special happened in the year
I entered seventh grade. I lost my fear!
It seemed I grew new wings that let me fly.
No other school compared to junior high.
New friends that could appreciate my ways
I found in middle school. What happy days!
I got straight A’s my first year, but I was
A jokester too. It felt so cool because
no other school compared to junior high.
To “ordinary me” I said goodbye!
A woman I was turning into. Bliss
was mine with boyfriends and my first real kiss.
I’d learned my worth and great new things to try.
No other school compared to junior high!
Written Feb. 7, 2016
Pastor, you're an under shepherd who has been entrusted to do God's work
you're never overbearing nor quick tempered nor do you have any quirks
you hold firmly to the trustworthy message that the Son of Man did convey
you're a spirit-filled righteous man, a disciple and teacher of God's ways
you teach and preach the sound doctrine that is the Holy Lord's
you're temperate and respectful with a Christ-like love for all in accord
you're self-assured and humble and your sermons are from the heart
you've given us insightful examples of how to live spiritually smart
you've told us it might be our attitudes and we probably need a makeover
you've been to us a living example in how to let God take over
you're an under shepherd, one of the Lord's earthly rep
you're an under shepherd, a follower in His Son's steps
you're an under shepherd, an agent of the living Christ
you're our under shepherd, Pastor Griffin
and we are blessed to have you in our lives
MARVIN BENET BLACKMON, JR.
Yesterday, as you remember, was just another day.
You played like a boy could with no worries in place.
Today you sing the gospel and your soul is fulfilled.
Benet, you are anointed to excel.
The stories of a Prophet who knew his way.
Oiled as a baby to be a champion.
Your grandmother was a great crusader of the cause.
You are a Mississippi State Bulldog.
Your substance will go far.
Marvin, you are your own self-worth.
MUSIC MAN
AMBLE ON.
RUMBLE,
VIBRANT, AND ALIVE
INFORMED BY PRICINPALITY
NECTAR WITH YOUR TRUMPET FLUID.
BEAUTIFULLY CULTURIZED TO CULTIVATE...
ENERGY FLOWS...
NEVERLAND IS YOUR SPIRIT.
EFFORTLESS YOU PLAY AS YOUR
TALENT IMPARTS.
BLACK AS JAZZ
LOOKS BEYOND THE CLOUDS.
ASPIRE TO CARVE YOUR OWN STYLE -
CASTE YOUR SPELL.
KEEP YOUR IDEAS TO DIVVY.
MUNIFICENCE THEREIN.
ONE LIFE YOU HAVE TO LIVE
NINE TIMES PLUS TEN.
JUST AND DEFINED HEREIN.
REMEMBER ALL THINGS POSSIBLE CAN BE ACHIEVED.
________________________________________________________|
Penned April 21, 2015!
His sister said to Johnny
“You’re going to go to war
The draft board called your number
They’ll be knocking on your door”
Johnny said “I don’t like marching
And I’ve never loved the sea
That only leaves one option
It’s the Army Air Corps for me”
So he dropped out of his college
And joined the Army Air Corps
He learned to be a pilot
And then he went to war
He was not a fighter pilot
He didn’t fly a jet
He piloted the transports
The biggest you could get
He was flying in the South Seas
When he met an Army nurse
Then something clicked inside him
It was love right from the first
They had to wait the war out
Till the Army nurse went home
They married in her hometown
Then the Air Corps made them roam
In October then of forty-six
They had themselves a daughter
In the Panama Canal Zone
Then he’s flying off over water
Then they lived in Puerto Rico
Where they had themselves a son
September then of forty-eight
They were proud of what they’d done
When they moved to Massachusetts
Johnny’s hometown state
He transferred to the Reserves
Still flying that airfreight
They had another daughter
January – Nineteen-fifty
They were settled into a quiet life
Till Korea got too shifty
Johnny said “I am a pilot
And I was born to fly
I’m going back to full time service
I belong up in the sky”
So he’s back up in his transports
In missions he did live
He said “I’ll do what I must do
And I’ll give all I can give”
In July of nineteen-fifty-one
Another daughter’s born
Then Johnny’s off and flying
His heartstrings all but torn
Then October of that same year
On a quiet home bound flight
Out among the Azores
His plane dropped out of sight
No activity in the area
No SOS last call
He said “I see the Azores”
That was it – that’s all
Despite a massive air search
The biggest one to date
Not a piece of plane or personnel
Nothing known yet of their fate
They searched the sea for weeks and weeks
The airwaves – this and that
He left behind a loving wife
Four kids, a dog, a cat.
Captain John Francis Dailey, Jr. USAF (1918-1951)
It was 60 years ago this October that we lost our Dad. We never really got to know him but miss him just the same.
Mdailey 10/15/11
Raul Mondesi is back from wherever he’d been hid
Storming into the Big Leagues and making another bid
But he played over a decade ago
Guess for me time hasn’t gone slow
And the rising star this year is Mondesi’s kid
3/31/16