The very first moment I experienced my power at work was when I was a sophomore. I was taking a performing arts and writing elective that I greatly enjoyed, we wrote poetry, speeches, even a couple raps. At the very end of that semester we had to write a piece about our history and how define ourselves that would have to be memorized and performed in front of the whole school at one of our community meetings. I was so nervous before I performed, I had so much going on in my life and so much distraction that I felt like no one would understand my poem or even care. As I started to get through the first 5 lines I relaxed and delivered one of the best performances of my life for which I received great praise. I felt a great power flow through me because that is when I truly realized that I am solely in control of how people view me.A moment in my life where I lost power was when I got kicked out of my house. I felt so weak because I felt like I had no control over my situation. No matter my opinion or the truths I had to speak no one would listen to me. I felt as small as an ant. It was my 18th and even at that moment when I was supposed to be most in control of my destiny I was powerless. I wanted to fight my circumstance but all I could do was accept it and live with the consequences of my actions. This whole situation definitely had me reconsidering my approach to life after being depressed. I had to dig myself out of an emotional complacency and take control of my destiny.
I write poetry to harness my power. I am not as outspoken as I should be and at times I let others put words in my mouth. Writing poetry helps me clear my mind and figure out my real desires aside from all the other opinions being consistently thrown at me. I use the words that I write as a sort of therapy, and I get to voice words otherwise unheard. This helps me reclaim my power over myself and my surroundings because at times I can be confused about my role in society and my importance. Most people fail to see the value in sharing their own voice especially in a society where opinions are adapted to others freely and soon they begin to forget that the thoughts in their heads aren't theirs at all.
When I Was A Limitless Child
When I was a limitless child I flew past borders
I dove into the depths of the sea and came back up with poetry soaked in testimony
I was able to move mountains
I could see into the stars and when I got bored I'd call the planets into my backyard.
When I was a limitless child money wasn't a thing,
so if you wanted my fruit snacks for tomorrow Id have to see what you'd bring
and the songs I would sing could make you yearn to hear sleigh bells ring,
sip some hot chocolate and tell me if they sounded like the same thing.
When I was a limitless child I'd have tea with Ms. Universe and Superman
Id be the girl who saved the day with mere words and was greeted by elated fans.
Fantasy and reality looked so fine but nothing could match my world so divine.
Creative mastermind unbound by time,
sometimes time is all it takes to corrupt the mind.
Imani,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Too bad it was submitted 4 days late! Please be sure to submit on time, as all the other students are striving to meet the deadline as well. I will accept this post, with deducted points, but I cannot accept late work each week.
Your writing is awesome and your stories are powerful. You have a craft. Your writing flows very easily - quickly - and you know well how to craft congruent story without holes or missing pieces.
These are great stories. Performing is a very big fear of most people - that fear of judgement - from someone, anyone in the crowd. That's great that you received such a great response. It must have filled your cup. Lifted you up.
Your poem this week is very cool/smart. I like the imagery you use (fruit snacks) and the universal childlike experiences that flow throughout (like trading snacks). Your language and lines are strong. Great rhymes.
The only line that seems to be misplaced is the last line - as the rest of your poem is fairly positive and uplifting. This last line swoops in and almost adds a question mark to the poem - as if that childhood was a fantasy - not real.
Was it real? It sounded real in your portrayal.
I really like your play with words and the way you string the lines together. Very clever.
Get this in on time, and you will do very well in this class. Stay focused, organized, and dedicated. I want to keep seeing great work like this each week.
GR: 80 (late)