AND THEN THERE COMES A TIME WHEN THE UNIVERSE steps in and shows us that the ugly must be exposed – that the hurt has to BE – in order for us to recognize the beauty that we can manifest once our backs are against the wall; when we are serious about doing better.
Prayer is always welcomed. It’s a sign of Hope. But we cannot look to Jesus to ‘fix it’ — that which is our society.
The people made the world as it is. Therefore, WE, the people, have to put in the work to earn what it is that we are praying for.
It’s time to recognize what WE have made of this earth and get to WORK! It’s time to THINK THINGS and CREATE WAYS that will welcome open-mindedness and induce CHANGE!
“If you have been given the gift of voice and it can make a difference then you have done work The Universe has planned for you to complete in this lifetime.” – Sydney Valerio (www.sydneyvalerio.com)
“LOVE is the answer!” – Jaime ‘The Maestro’ Emeric (R.I.P. beloved friend)
The below poetry piece “Not Enough” speaks on the truths happening in today’s society. It tells the story of color, race, religion, background, and of the judgements and shaming that we face for just wanting to BE accepted and loved as we are. This is one of my favorite pieces. Simply because it expresses a need for what most of us are asking for from the world – peace, understanding, acceptance, and change.
“Not Enough” by Poet, Writer, Minister, Axel Garcia (from his poetry book Poetics – garciaaxel.org – JOIN the organization that helps the less-fortunate in every way possible.)
I’ve never fit in
My spot never chosen
Not Spanish enough to move my hips easily
Nor American enough to step on others to rise
Too militant
Yet not suffered enough to raise fists
Not white enough even when rocking to Metal
Roots not African enough to proclaim ancestry
My DNA is as scattered as my thoughts
Ask me who I am
I’ll say one thing and disagree with myself
Neither this nor the other
Not Muslim enough to Habibi
Not Christian enough to feel the Holy Spirit
Not Taino enough to darken my skin
Not animal enough to kill
Not human enough to care
Not covered enough in tattoos
Not paid enough to afford my bills
Not educated enough to be allowed formulated opinions
You leave me boxed in
Cornered as a hunted beast
Who every now and then reacts
Attacks
And blamed for doing so
Don’t even want to step outside
Not worthy enough to walk
Shouldn’t even write
Not accepted enough to be cool with the clique
I stand just on the cusp
Peaking my head in ever so often
Shouldn’t be alive
Not worthy of breath
Someone else needs it more
Don’t want to see anymore
Vision I’d give to the blind immediately
I could say I’ve lost my way
If there was ever one to be lost
So I’ll remain
Until I fade from memory
And be just a whisper to some
copyright ©Axel Garcia
What are YOU DOING with your craft to CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE in the world?
The truth is seldom popular. Sometimes it’s downright dangerous. Be brave and write/speak it anyway! It’s time for change! Change in the world depends on the spoken word artists, poets, and writers to show up and show out! It’s up to YOU! Will you take on the challenge?
Here’s to a year of opportunities, prosperity, aspiring and inspiring; to dreaming longer, working smarter, and celebrating ourselves every now and then – for morale’s sake. Writers, poets, and artists that are DOING, thank you for your service to the arts community. You are appreciated. Know that! To new beginnings and to your continued progress and success in the arts — ALL THE BEST! Have a happy and blessed year! BE well!
Best Regards,
Nicole S. Ross
Spoken Word New York – Managing Editor
“If ALL LIVES MATTER, why isn’t your life, your mindset, your heart affected when people of color are oppressed by – suffering from – treated unjustly and/or killed by the system you helped put into place? Think about it. Try and understand the importance.” – NSR
