And Stephen, full of grace, performed great signs;
The Freedmen rose, disputed what he said.
Unable to withstand, they soon resigned;
They leveled claims of blasphemy instead.
They stirred up folks; the news, like wildfire, spread.
’Twas seized, brought ‘fore the council ‘gainst his will
Where witnesses bore testimony ill,
“Says Jesus will destroy this holy place,
Seeks to reverse what Moses has instilled!”
But Stephen bore a calm, angelic face.
—————
(from Acts 6)
Categories:
freedmen, betrayal,
Form: Dizain
DISTANT SHORES
There comes a time when we all leave our first home;
Some by boat or ship on coarse on waves of unknown;
What am I to do, Oh!;
Some gathered as friends or foes;
Some came as rich freedmen others as slaves;
Woe to them incarcerated, Woe to those wave;
Blue waters ripple against the brown/green beach head;
Those enslaved men some below dead;
Freedom waves wail six feet rises;
Freedom sings from different languages;
As the tide comes at it's final roar;
The ship docks at distant shore;
6/17/18
Distant Shores Poetry Contest
Sponsored by:Robert Haigh
Categories:
freedmen, america, analogy, conflict, endurance,
Form: Rhyme