Sermon of the Slave
By KC
I refuse to be grounded
By the clock pounded
Instead I will fly as one with time
To be a legend and never die
I am self, the undeniable truth
Even though the masses deny my worth—
by denying my freedoms
I am self-bonded by Blood, Iron and Pain
Transported over seas and through time
A lifetime of hate created by ignorance from others—
and self-destruction within
But still I fight—still I rise
And one day I will be free
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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.
KC,
One word: powerful. Your poem captures the plight of African Americans throughout time in the U.S. with beautiful words. I also love that you refuse to let these injustices — past and present — keep you down. Perseverance is an amazing trait and I look forward to things you may write in the future.
Dear KC,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem. It is so well-written and moving. This poem serves as a reminder that even though slavery in the US is over, the effects of racism still exist. I love how you included the words of Maya Angelou: “still I rise”. This poem is both sorrowful and hopeful and an important read.
I admire the message of strength and determination in this poem. What first caught my attention was the title. It is extremely powerful: “Sermon of the Slave”. The last two lines resonate with me; I hear your declaration of freedom.
i love the passion behind this poem. My favorite line is “but still i fight- still i rise”. It really shows how determined you are to “not be grounded” and to be free. I wish you the best of luck.
KC,
Thank you for sharing this poem with us. It is so strong and genuine. I love your use of the Maya Angelou quote “still I rise.” Continue to rise up against the injustice you face, encouraged that you are not alone.
Keep writing!
Your poem from a slave’s point of view sent chills through me. Slavery was awful and wrong, and I think you do a good job at highlighting the everyday internal fight of slaves. They were oppressed and at the same time they were doing their best to find ways to survive, live, and love under the circumstances they were forced into: “I refuse to be grounded / By the clock pounded… But still I fight—still I rise / And one day I will be free.” That, and this poem, rings true strength. Thank you for sharing this.
Kc, great poem. I enjoyed the imagery in your poem.
This is such a powerful and strongminded work of poetry. I love all the themes of resilience and perseverance no matter what.
KC,
I hope that one day you achieve the freedom that you are looking for and on the way to obtaining. I appreciated your statement on the idea that the masses deny your worth. It seems nowadays that there is an issue with the masses where they are always trying to get those who stray from the mainstream back to the social norm. I encourage you to fly in your own path and chase the ideas that you hold dear to yourself and not the ideas of those who seek to judge you. I encourage you to continue writing about your experiences and your future because I feel like it is helping you down this path.
Hi KC, I really like this poem. I too find myself worrying about how much time I have and being held down by that anxiety. I like the way you say you will fly instead of being held back, I think it’s inspiring. Also the way you refuse to stay down because of others ignorance and mistreatment, but instead you will get up and fight. Your message is so motivating, good job!