"juneteenth" poems - Hello Poetry

July 4th is a Holiday filled with celebration, Complete with BBQs and Fireworks And exclamations of "Happy Independence day" But people seem to fail to add the asterisk at the end The hidden meaning, the fine print, the text between the lines if you will. Because July 4th is not everyones's independence day. July 4th only signifies the independence of a particular group of people A group of people who fought for their freedom, but didn't allow it in their own back yards. When these people were out celebrating their independence, my ancestors, my family, where in fields, working, in houses trying to stay alive My women trying to stay away from their masters ****** them- Whoops, sorry, I meant "Celebrating." So what reason do I have to call July 4th my independence day? If anything, my independence day is December 16th, the ratification of the 13th amendment Or Juneteenth Or January 1st, the day that the emancipation proclamation was ratified. So while everyone else is celebrating the New Year, I think about what else that day has brought Brought about the freedom of a people, my people. Made them citizens, made them real, made them free. Well, kinda free. We've come so far. And of course, I am not trying to blame white people today for what happened in the past, they should not be held accountable for the actions of the people from whom they've descended But instead I want my black brothers and sisters to think, to remember, where we are coming from. So yes, I hope everyone has a happy independence day* Just keep in mind that it's not mine.

0

Jul 4, 2016

Jul 4, 2016 at 5:02 PM UTC

shani-jonas

Happy Independence Day*

July 4th is a Holiday filled with celebration, Complete with BBQs and Fireworks And exclamations of "Happy Independence day" But people seem to fail to add the asterisk at the end The hidden meaning, the fine print, the text between the lines if you will. Because July 4th is not everyones's independence day. July 4th only signifies the independence of a particular group of people A group of people who fought for their freedom, but didn't allow it in their own back yards. When these people were out celebrating their independence, my ancestors, my family, where in fields, working, in houses trying to stay alive My women trying to stay away from their masters ****** them- Whoops, sorry, I meant "Celebrating." So what reason do I have to call July 4th my independence day? If anything, my independence day is December 16th, the ratification of the 13th amendment Or Juneteenth Or January 1st, the day that the emancipation proclamation was ratified. So while everyone else is celebrating the New Year, I think about what else that day has brought Brought about the freedom of a people, my people. Made them citizens, made them real, made them free. Well, kinda free. We've come so far. And of course, I am not trying to blame white people today for what happened in the past, they should not be held accountable for the actions of the people from whom they've descended But instead I want my black brothers and sisters to think, to remember, where we are coming from. So yes, I hope everyone has a happy independence day* Just keep in mind that it's not mine.

24

And so I become a fly on your wall with my blood-stained ledger the price of my self-loathing, and curse of my curiosity. Hear the truth Trust your lumpy gut instinct These suits are depressing But I crave to know of the corruption.

0

Jun 3, 2013

Jun 3, 2013 at 10:03 PM UTC

sunny-devo

Juneteenth

And so I become a fly on your wall with my blood-stained ledger the price of my self-loathing, and curse of my curiosity. Hear the truth Trust your lumpy gut instinct These suits are depressing But I crave to know of the corruption.

8

We celebrate Juneteenth as if the war was not still being fought Across news stations and echoes of Jefferson's dreams The last slaves freed, but this country was never Reconstructed, just patched up just replaced Chains with debt, a Theseus ship of spoils pulled From the wreckage of **** And I sit the echoes of police sirens slung like clubs across the backs of the Boys that sat in my classroom and wondered Why every white person they met always had To yell so much. As if there was nothing at all to be exchanged besides recreating Hegel’s dialectic. As if the only way to win was in blood. And perhaps That is what Juneteenth really teaches us, that blood Shed long enough will lead to ghosts, whispered Warnings we ignore. As if a million bodies buried across The South was not enough of a reminder that we needed To **** to have the enslaved seen as people. We celebrate the Day we no longer had to bury bayonets in bodies To treat humans as humans. And they still can't see it. Don’t realize that if you take away the last plate of food, That if you turn off the power, that if the dollar can't fill the tank What comes from desperation is a blood-born tsunami full of the ghosts of dead racists and stolen children, full of collateral damage and crackheads hooked on crystal Sold to them by the CIA. This country cannot swallow the blood needed to clear its cup. But at least we gonna barbeque and vote, and Dream, and read. At least we gonna explain to the children that this was the day The last slaves were freed when there are still hungry mouths to feed. At least we gonna sit with Baldwin, or Miles, or Kendrick, and unhinge Our throats like snakes swallowing what the storms sing from suffering. At least we can carry that truth. If only for a day. If only to free the last Mind slaves still believing that the war is over, the dead silent, The constitution holy, the senate fair, the president controls gas prices, The bullet not already loaded, the school doors not already locked, The rich earned it, the news aint propaganda, the children martyrs The blood in our bodies not singing requiems to the pain of our ancestors, At least we gonna pretend that this country actually free.

0

Jun 17, 2022

Jun 17, 2022 at 5:48 AM UTC

eliot-greene

Juneteenth

We celebrate Juneteenth as if the war was not still being fought Across news stations and echoes of Jefferson's dreams The last slaves freed, but this country was never Reconstructed, just patched up just replaced Chains with debt, a Theseus ship of spoils pulled From the wreckage of **** And I sit the echoes of police sirens slung like clubs across the backs of the Boys that sat in my classroom and wondered Why every white person they met always had To yell so much. As if there was nothing at all to be exchanged besides recreating Hegel’s dialectic. As if the only way to win was in blood. And perhaps That is what Juneteenth really teaches us, that blood Shed long enough will lead to ghosts, whispered Warnings we ignore. As if a million bodies buried across The South was not enough of a reminder that we needed To **** to have the enslaved seen as people. We celebrate the Day we no longer had to bury bayonets in bodies To treat humans as humans. And they still can't see it. Don’t realize that if you take away the last plate of food, That if you turn off the power, that if the dollar can't fill the tank What comes from desperation is a blood-born tsunami full of the ghosts of dead racists and stolen children, full of collateral damage and crackheads hooked on crystal Sold to them by the CIA. This country cannot swallow the blood needed to clear its cup. But at least we gonna barbeque and vote, and Dream, and read. At least we gonna explain to the children that this was the day The last slaves were freed when there are still hungry mouths to feed. At least we gonna sit with Baldwin, or Miles, or Kendrick, and unhinge Our throats like snakes swallowing what the storms sing from suffering. At least we can carry that truth. If only for a day. If only to free the last Mind slaves still believing that the war is over, the dead silent, The constitution holy, the senate fair, the president controls gas prices, The bullet not already loaded, the school doors not already locked, The rich earned it, the news aint propaganda, the children martyrs The blood in our bodies not singing requiems to the pain of our ancestors, At least we gonna pretend that this country actually free.

38

They ask, why care so much? Simple, my ancestors blood and bones are the foundation of this nation. But that isn't your blood or mine? We have come a long way! True but broken chains don't free us from shackles, and half measures can’t get us across the finish line. If you hate it so much leave! In case you missed point one I'd much rather fix what's broken. I want to make sure that the stacked deck is reshuffled. That kids don't have to grow up in war zones, where the only way out is debt or a casket. Where people don’t get to profit from the very thing that took others freedom. I want a playing field that all can use, where the rules make sense and the enforcers are kind. Where I'm not the oddity for never having been behind bars. That people realize that there's more to our culture than our bars. I'm over the 40 acres I want 24 Oscar's. Maybe then I'll see myself on more than just ESPN and MTV. Others have it far worse than you! Well then let's elevate them too. A rising tide raises all ships. So let's create a flood that washes out the hate. When will people realize that we aren't enemies. That the system crushing you is already destroying me. If they can put people in cages for where they were born then Eastside or south of the border are just bad hands we are dealt. I don’t know how to fix it but I care too much to be quiet. So thanks for reading my thoughts, but will you stay silent?

0

Jun 19, 2019

Jun 19, 2019 at 9:32 PM UTC

donald-charles-mark-keys

Juneteenth

They ask, why care so much? Simple, my ancestors blood and bones are the foundation of this nation. But that isn't your blood or mine? We have come a long way! True but broken chains don't free us from shackles, and half measures can’t get us across the finish line. If you hate it so much leave! In case you missed point one I'd much rather fix what's broken. I want to make sure that the stacked deck is reshuffled. That kids don't have to grow up in war zones, where the only way out is debt or a casket. Where people don’t get to profit from the very thing that took others freedom. I want a playing field that all can use, where the rules make sense and the enforcers are kind. Where I'm not the oddity for never having been behind bars. That people realize that there's more to our culture than our bars. I'm over the 40 acres I want 24 Oscar's. Maybe then I'll see myself on more than just ESPN and MTV. Others have it far worse than you! Well then let's elevate them too. A rising tide raises all ships. So let's create a flood that washes out the hate. When will people realize that we aren't enemies. That the system crushing you is already destroying me. If they can put people in cages for where they were born then Eastside or south of the border are just bad hands we are dealt. I don’t know how to fix it but I care too much to be quiet. So thanks for reading my thoughts, but will you stay silent?

40

This day will start out mostly sunny with temperatures near the high 70s. Then expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms late at night, with temps dropping to the high 60s. ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING In effect until June 20 (Juneteenth) by God. (who is relieved that we humans will celebrate and honor Juneteenth, by not having to rise early to move our cars to the other side of the street to enable the horde of street cleaners and free men and women to sleep late too in honor of the emancipation of enslaved people in the US.

0

Jun 9, 2022

Jun 9, 2022 at 6:49 AM UTC

nat-lipstadt

WEATHER OR NOT TILL JUNETEENTH By God

This day will start out mostly sunny with temperatures near the high 70s. Then expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms late at night, with temps dropping to the high 60s. ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING In effect until June 20 (Juneteenth) by God. (who is relieved that we humans will celebrate and honor Juneteenth, by not having to rise early to move our cars to the other side of the street to enable the horde of street cleaners and free men and women to sleep late too in honor of the emancipation of enslaved people in the US.

6

Words From Freed Slaves Poem By: Omarr RaSharjd Lee We all believe in freedom, We all believe in love, We all believe in blessings, That come from above, We don’t believe in hatred, In fact, We don’t believe in pain, but Prayer seems to always make bad things change, We always had hope for a better day, We always had dreams of leaving our plantation, and Going far far away, and Now, We can say, Free at last, No more hurt, and Pain, From the past.

0

Aug 19, 2020

Aug 19, 2020 at 11:05 AM UTC

omarrlee

Juneteenth

Words From Freed Slaves Poem By: Omarr RaSharjd Lee We all believe in freedom, We all believe in love, We all believe in blessings, That come from above, We don’t believe in hatred, In fact, We don’t believe in pain, but Prayer seems to always make bad things change, We always had hope for a better day, We always had dreams of leaving our plantation, and Going far far away, and Now, We can say, Free at last, No more hurt, and Pain, From the past.

19

I am all for celebrating what we have struggled to recognize, but here is some critical political analysis; If you observe how politicians pervert the system in order to maintain the power they have, you will see they maybe willing to cede symbolic victories in partisan performances to prevent actual institutional and structural reforms. It costs them very little to make a holiday, giving workers a little break, while dulling some of those blades of social outrage. If you recall Shakespeare says “all the worlds a stage” Yet, I pray we do not allow ourselves to be played by those **** poor performers. We are more than seat warmers waiting to die while fresh suckers sit down to buy the same song and dance.

0

Aug 13, 2021

Aug 13, 2021 at 10:54 AM UTC

graff1980

Happy Juneteenth

I am all for celebrating what we have struggled to recognize, but here is some critical political analysis; If you observe how politicians pervert the system in order to maintain the power they have, you will see they maybe willing to cede symbolic victories in partisan performances to prevent actual institutional and structural reforms. It costs them very little to make a holiday, giving workers a little break, while dulling some of those blades of social outrage. If you recall Shakespeare says “all the worlds a stage” Yet, I pray we do not allow ourselves to be played by those **** poor performers. We are more than seat warmers waiting to die while fresh suckers sit down to buy the same song and dance.

45

Where have you been Darkened with uncertainty No place to be found Chanted spiritual songs within one’s encouraging thought I need to be free I pray to thee Thunder raw Lightening outburst Slavery was hard and tormented Beaten and torn Sunrises being a forbidden rise Working on those cotton fields Plantation ordeals for real Wounds showing the many rebels Trapped in a prohibited society No pity Freedom only a thought Praying and constant praying Singing upon singing The slaves hope surrounded up in Heaven Numerous cries heard In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was documented, and Freedom became the word’s that Afro-Americans needed to hear No more worry some of fear It took place in Galveston, Texas Years upon years of denial Not knowing where nor if Heaven the many outcries Crisis finally came to an end Freedom, Freedom, Freedom From Slavery life into the light of the earthly kingdom Sacrifice proven Land’s wisdom Dwell doers The raw of thankful emotion Smooth breezes and calm oceans Life was and will be worth living The call for Freedom Emancipation at its best

0

Jun 19, 2023

Jun 19, 2023 at 10:59 AM UTC

preservationman

FREEDOM WALK (JUNETEENTH VOICE)

Where have you been Darkened with uncertainty No place to be found Chanted spiritual songs within one’s encouraging thought I need to be free I pray to thee Thunder raw Lightening outburst Slavery was hard and tormented Beaten and torn Sunrises being a forbidden rise Working on those cotton fields Plantation ordeals for real Wounds showing the many rebels Trapped in a prohibited society No pity Freedom only a thought Praying and constant praying Singing upon singing The slaves hope surrounded up in Heaven Numerous cries heard In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was documented, and Freedom became the word’s that Afro-Americans needed to hear No more worry some of fear It took place in Galveston, Texas Years upon years of denial Not knowing where nor if Heaven the many outcries Crisis finally came to an end Freedom, Freedom, Freedom From Slavery life into the light of the earthly kingdom Sacrifice proven Land’s wisdom Dwell doers The raw of thankful emotion Smooth breezes and calm oceans Life was and will be worth living The call for Freedom Emancipation at its best

38

The forgotten essential workers Who is seldom mention. Who is so often belittle, Porters, Cooks, Laundry workers Dish-washers, Elevator-repair men Recreations, Front Desk clerks Certified Nurse’s Aide Home health aide Waiters, God! Oh how hard we work! Private’s aides Now as we celebrate Juneteenth 19 Black lives matters, can we really be seen After four hundred years of oppressions Can we tossed back river of tears we are in 2020 is this our commission? We as Essential workers in your nursing homes Being tested twice a week, By your essential worker phlebotomist Who puncture my vein with his cannula? For the governor executives order listen up you uncouth nurses who poke The swab sticks deep into my nose. Listen this quackery has to end! Pandemic, politics, election strategy We essential need more respect. You with your white privileges, and your treats (RE: PCR swabbing, week being on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. If you work 4 or more days you need to be swabbed 2x per week In a 48hrs time frame, if not you will be taken off the schedule You will be humiliated, said the Administrator Mr. Sal Because he is not a babysitter there to reminds you.. Said a non- professional white privileges) as the city navigate the pandemic moving on to injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism and a war economy: Mr. Governor Cuomo: I cannot breathe.. I Mr. Governor Cuomo: I cannot breathe

0

Jun 20, 2020

Jun 20, 2020 at 9:16 AM UTC

darknbeautiful-1

The Forgotten Essential Workers

The forgotten essential workers Who is seldom mention. Who is so often belittle, Porters, Cooks, Laundry workers Dish-washers, Elevator-repair men Recreations, Front Desk clerks Certified Nurse’s Aide Home health aide Waiters, God! Oh how hard we work! Private’s aides Now as we celebrate Juneteenth 19 Black lives matters, can we really be seen After four hundred years of oppressions Can we tossed back river of tears we are in 2020 is this our commission? We as Essential workers in your nursing homes Being tested twice a week, By your essential worker phlebotomist Who puncture my vein with his cannula? For the governor executives order listen up you uncouth nurses who poke The swab sticks deep into my nose. Listen this quackery has to end! Pandemic, politics, election strategy We essential need more respect. You with your white privileges, and your treats (RE: PCR swabbing, week being on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. If you work 4 or more days you need to be swabbed 2x per week In a 48hrs time frame, if not you will be taken off the schedule You will be humiliated, said the Administrator Mr. Sal Because he is not a babysitter there to reminds you.. Said a non- professional white privileges) as the city navigate the pandemic moving on to injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism and a war economy: Mr. Governor Cuomo: I cannot breathe.. I Mr. Governor Cuomo: I cannot breathe

44

America is beautiful, great and wonderful Eadem opera, she is ugly, pitiful and dreadful In regards to the mistreatments of the Native Americans The African Americans and other minorities Yet, America is one of the best countries In the world to be part of or to become citizens Slavery remains an everlasting thorn in her history Discrimination is a skulking cancer that won't go away Any time soon. In the USA, one can always find a way To survive, to make it amidst the chaos and the irony Yes, America remains a land of a plethora of opportunities We all hope and dream of a better America We all pray and wish for a better America Where breathe love, peace and auras of positive energies We love America when she's right, just and fair America, America can be like a Giant Bear Who will equally protect her children America can be like an uncelestial heaven Let's celebrate Juneteenth: the emancipation proclamation And the Fourth of July with love, peace, respect and admiration. Copyright © July 2021, Hébert Logerie, All rights reserved Hébert Logerie is the author of several collections of poems.

0

Jun 2, 2025

Jun 2, 2025 at 9:50 PM UTC

60Etncelles60

America Is About Hybridized Vibes

America is beautiful, great and wonderful Eadem opera, she is ugly, pitiful and dreadful In regards to the mistreatments of the Native Americans The African Americans and other minorities Yet, America is one of the best countries In the world to be part of or to become citizens Slavery remains an everlasting thorn in her history Discrimination is a skulking cancer that won't go away Any time soon. In the USA, one can always find a way To survive, to make it amidst the chaos and the irony Yes, America remains a land of a plethora of opportunities We all hope and dream of a better America We all pray and wish for a better America Where breathe love, peace and auras of positive energies We love America when she's right, just and fair America, America can be like a Giant Bear Who will equally protect her children America can be like an uncelestial heaven Let's celebrate Juneteenth: the emancipation proclamation And the Fourth of July with love, peace, respect and admiration. Copyright © July 2021, Hébert Logerie, All rights reserved Hébert Logerie is the author of several collections of poems.

22

Coincidence again today Once more Lenore on June 19th Gets my attention Thank you, Andy Dove Unwelcome thoughts Often unwell Hospitals and jail Only hope is love My son, my son, my son Africa in my heart Wait and watch and wonder Virginia push to shove No shoes, just walkin' onward Brother, he called me brother Dr. Boykin Sanders A little help from above Richmond!

0

Jun 19, 2023

Jun 19, 2023 at 5:58 PM UTC

myqualyxians

Juneteenth

Coincidence again today Once more Lenore on June 19th Gets my attention Thank you, Andy Dove Unwelcome thoughts Often unwell Hospitals and jail Only hope is love My son, my son, my son Africa in my heart Wait and watch and wonder Virginia push to shove No shoes, just walkin' onward Brother, he called me brother Dr. Boykin Sanders A little help from above Richmond!

17

2 nights in county jail Sallyport This too shall pass

0

Jun 19, 2023

Jun 19, 2023 at 6:11 PM UTC

myqualyxians

Juneteenth

2 nights in county jail Sallyport This too shall pass

3

No coincidences for quite awhile Epilogue of Thomas More The king's servant, but God's first Quaint and curious forgotten lore Not following Chicago now Philadelphia in my view He remembers Juneteenth I remember 2 Gaps in Markson's consciousness Light, he said. Flooding. Hovering Adidas Mexico. Spain. The Strand. 5th volume? And ...

0

Jun 10, 2023

Jun 10, 2023 at 11:07 PM UTC

myqualyxians

Cinco?

No coincidences for quite awhile Epilogue of Thomas More The king's servant, but God's first Quaint and curious forgotten lore Not following Chicago now Philadelphia in my view He remembers Juneteenth I remember 2 Gaps in Markson's consciousness Light, he said. Flooding. Hovering Adidas Mexico. Spain. The Strand. 5th volume? And ...

13