Why Did Colin Take a Knee?

Why did Rosa just sit down?

Why did Martin march through town?

Why did four at Woolworth's wait?

Why did Thurgood integrate?

Why did Malcolm raise a fist?

Why was Medgar’s life at risk?

Why did Langston’s poems ring?

Why did Maya’s caged bird sing?

Why was Trayvon shot and killed?

Why was Laquan’s life-blood spilled?

Why can’t everybody see

what made Colin take a knee?

Colin Kaepernick is a former professional football player who played quarterback for the San Francisco ‘49ers. During the 2016 season, Kaepernick began quietly protesting the oppression of African Americans by kneeling during the National Anthem rather than standing. Taking a knee as a form of protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement quickly spread throughout the sports world and more. Kaepernick was greatly maligned for his protest by many fans, the football league, and national politicians, claiming his protest was disrespectful to those in the military. His contract was not renewed, nor would any other NFL team rehire him.

This poem and blurb—which I post here in celebration of Black History Month—was published in 2020 in a little book of social/political satire I composed called Nursery Rhymes for Troubled Times. (It’s still on Amazon) This one almost went viral on Instagram in 2018. 

Now check out Poetry Friday hosted by Robyn Hood Black. Happy Black History Month, Valentines!

What If a Duck?

What if a duck was made King of the world,

and he passed ducky laws for the people?

Would we walk with a waddle 

to mimic webbed feet?

would we all dine on minnows 

and preen before sleep?

Would we honk to sound clever,

or flap to seem bold?

Would we migrate to Texas

when weather turned cold?

Would troubles, like water, 

roll right off one's back,

and if we got sick, 

would we visit a quack?

There’d be no feather pillows, 

pâté would be banned,

most foxes imprisoned, 

all Daffy films panned.

What if a duck was the king of the land

and someone yelled “Duck!”—

Would we stand?

This week's poem is a tad political...what can I say? And this week's Poetry Friday Round-Up is hosted by Molly at Nix the Comfort Zone. She writes with poignancy in brevity.

By the way poets and writers, thank you for the thoughtful comments on my last poem. I hope to get back to each of you this week. I am so wowed by the creative heart-weaving that I find whenever I dip into Poetry Friday. Cheers, Doida

The Ice Storm

An ice storm came to my town—

with booms and explosions

it brought tree limbs down.

Fierce thunderous cracks woke us up in the night,

would trees pierce the walls

of our bedrooms?

—They might!

We scrambled in bed with the grownups so tight

while ice murdered maples throughout the long night.

Mom lit a candle,

Jim found a flashlight,

I trembled

in awe

and in fear

       ...and delight!

In the morning the whole world stood still.

I crept to the window

and gripped the wood sill.

Our yard was a jumble of trees—it was mad.

Had our car been destroyed

by a tree trunk?

—It had!

Icicles glittering bright, and pine boughs,

power lines twisted, the havoc was bad.

Our neighbors’ roof—busted

by ice, cold and white.

I stared out

in awe

and in fear

       ...and delight!

Greetings and happy winter. It seems posting one poem a week has been a misnomer. I see my last post was two months ago! If you’re seeing this, be sure check out the many poets and poetry bloggers at the Poetry Friday Roundup. This week the host is Amy at The Poem Farm. 

Have a most lovely week, Doida