Peaceful Protest

By AL

“The home of the brave,
and the land of the free”
are notably beautiful
words written by Francis
Scott Key.

Yet. in 1814 those words
didn’t apply to individuals
with the same skin color as
me.
So for all the injustice then
and now that I see,
I proudly place my fist in
the air while taking a
knee.

I stand in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.

8 Comments

  1. Haley on April 1, 2020 at 4:34 PM

    This is beautifully written. I stand in solidarity with you.

  2. Hayley on April 13, 2020 at 4:43 PM

    Hi AL,

    I really enjoyed reading this cleverly-written poem. You describe how not all Americans can live their truth because of the way they look; not all Americans can be free or brave. I think Kaepernick’s actions were truly brave; he risked his professional career and sacrificed losing respect of his teammates and all of America. But he spoke out about an issue that needed to be attended to. I think this is the mark of true American, being brave even when it may compromise their freedom. Thank you for sharing.

  3. Kayelynn on April 14, 2020 at 3:18 PM

    Dear AL,

    Bold and and truthful poem! You don’t tiptoe around America’s history like others and you won’t be shaken in your beliefs. I admire that about you, even though I only know you through your poem. Keep writing, I can’t wait to see what else you put out there!

  4. IS on April 23, 2020 at 4:47 PM

    AL, your piece is extremely powerful and truly speaks on the injustice that black men and women have faced for hundreds of years. I find it extremely powerful how you tie in lyrics from the “National Anthem” that were written hundreds of years ago but did not apply to everyone. I am proud of you for continuing to fight for the injustices that you are witnessing. Very good poem, thank you.

  5. Donovan on April 24, 2020 at 8:47 AM

    AL, this poem really speaks to me. I am an African American male that goes to a predominantly white university. In all my classes this semester I have been the only black male in my classes. Even though we come a long way from the time period you are referring to the after effects are still being felt even today. Donovan

  6. cora broadhurst on May 1, 2020 at 12:05 PM

    This poem is very moving. The rhyming makes the poem have such a deeper effect. With all protests going on in the world today, this poem fits right along with that. I would like to think that many of us stand in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. I wish you the best of luck.

  7. kassidilenae on June 11, 2020 at 12:20 AM

    AL,

    Thank you for sharing this with us. Your conviction and your call for justice is inspiring. Your poem is strong and piercing with just a few words. That is the mark of a great poet with a message to be heard.

    Keep writing!

  8. JM on November 11, 2020 at 2:48 PM

    Dear AL,

    Thanks for writing and sharing this poem. I really like the rhyme pattern you used, which made your overall message of protest really powerful. I like that you cited the National Anthem and then wrote what is a song of your own, about the exclusion of Black Americans from the claim to freedom in that context. This poem is a really important and powerful message to continue to stand against injustice wherever we may see it. Thanks again for writing and sharing this message.

    Best,
    JM

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