Written for: Poets United Midweek Motif~Voice
In this motif, voice is not a literary technique, but the willingness to speak from a specific point of view despite fear of consequences. That is today’s theme: the bravery or bravado of insisting on having a voice.
According to Voltaire, ““Writing is the painting of the voice.” I love the ambiguity of this definition when applied to today’s motif: Does “the voice” paint? Does writing paint “the voice”?
“Powerlessness and silence go together.”
― Margaret Atwood, Second Words
“. . . . only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth.
And that is not speaking.”
― Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider
Beware white fog that chokes the golden words
sitting in back of your throat, unheard.
You can speak, yet you sit there mute.
Add green grass and heaven’s blue;
don’t let them silence you.
Instead of moping,
here’s what to do:
unleash you
red notes,
Scream!
like the red notes – emotion needs to get out. Great!!
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Thanks so much, Leslie!
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I love the unleashing of the red notes….sort of what the young people are doing in response to the latest tragedy.
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Exactly so. Thanks, Sherry!
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Yes…everyone start screaming about those gun laws. I am so proud of your young people taking it to the streets.
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It really is up to a new generation.
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Oh, wow!: “Beware white fog that chokes the golden words
sitting in back of your throat, unheard.” Stunning poem.
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Thanks, Susan!
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