Reviews from

Where are all the Peacemakers?

The past week has shown the ugly belly of our nation

57 total reviews 
Comment from Darlene Franklin
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In other words, two wrongs don't make a right. Although we keep trying to force it. Thanks for the reminder to temper our justice of wrongs done with mercy.

 Comment Written 05-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Darlene, yes these are true in spite of the plusses and minuses of our days.
Comment from Willie P. Smith
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The answer to your question is NO. As long as we have
criminals who seek notoriety, money or fame from the
grief of others. Very good 5-7-5. I am, however getting very tired of the left's label, "racist."


















 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Willie, I couldn't agree more with you. We need more honest face to face talk not more behind the back labels. Change will never happen until all sides seek change that has a cost to it. I my mind that means throw AWAY the welfare mindset and provide economic opportunity will offering hand ups- not handouts. Until a value can be placed on a handout -no one will know what that value really means -- I know these things because I came from the poverty level in the late 50's and 60's...
Comment from Cindy Decker
Excellent
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Hi, JLR. Your poem is short, succinct, and sweet.
And it rings very true. You have a correct 5-7-5 Senryu poem, and it is stirring. It's closely related to my mom's old saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right." If you're alleging to the current protests, move people have been peaceful. There a handful who take the opportunity to loot or spread their brand of violence. I'm all for protesting, though, because police brutality of minorities has become too commonplace.
Your poem itself is very contest worthy.
Good luck.
Cindy

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Cindy, Yes, Peaceful protest is healthy and it does change the ugly underbelly of things, like bad policing. I am a child of the '60's ... however, VIOLENCE and OUTRIGHT theft and destruction of any property is CRIMINAL and must always put down.
reply by Cindy Decker on 05-Jun-2020
    I agree about the property thing, JLR. They?re often ?little people,? with a small business trying to make a living.
Comment from Janet Foor
Excellent
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Excellent political senryu with a powerful message to our world today.
We certainly did show our ugly belly this week. A shameful commentary on us.

Well done.
Blessings
Janet

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Janet, yes, we all feel the anguish and saddness, each of wondering in our minds ...is this the America I want and knowing we must find demand change in how we police, incarcerate, provide welfare solutions that don't work any longer, but then also we need the politicians to put down all crimes and violence, theft and destruction in every community.
Comment from Jeffrey L. Michaux
Excellent
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You're absolutely right. I could say many things about this, but, I'll keep it to a few. We should be outraged. It should be because of the fact that one human being was senselessly killed by another human being. The media has a field day with such stories. I also know that their are more same race crimes committed that seem to slip under the radar. I wonder why that is. I know why that is. It's because their is an agenda to get the best story no matter the cost and divide. I think people of all races need to get the scales removed from their eyes to see who the real enemy is. Like I said before, this is definitely and outrageous act. I think that the men responsible should be punishment by the most severe extent of the law. I also know that violent protests especially in states where it didn't even happen solves nothing. I know that their is a better way. Thanks for sharing this engaging and well written work. Well done!

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Jeffrey, I literally have tears in my eyes from your POWERFUL and HONEST reflection. If I could I would hug you for your authentic self I would!!
    Your line, " I think people of all races need to get the scales removed from their eyes to see who the real enemy is" is so honest and I could not support this statement more.
    WE NEED TO CHANGE,
    WE NEED AMERICA TO GROW UP,
    WE NEED THE MEDIA TO STOP THE SENSATIONALIZING THIS SAD AND HORRIBLE LOSS OF LIVES seen and unseen each and every day.
    I wished we could have more of this honest reflection.
    THANK YOU!!!!
reply by Jeffrey L. Michaux on 04-Jun-2020
    Thank you. It's just how I feel and believe.
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Jeffrey, you are good soul!
Comment from Susan Larson
Excellent
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I can't imagine what all these looters and vandals are thinking as they destroy innocent people's property and even their lives. Why not protest directly to the police departments and law makers ?

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Susan no words can explain it.
Comment from Kermit R. Mullins
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Good luck with your Political Senryu prompt entry. Strong statement, very understandable, to the point. I find it hard writing anything political. Best wishes.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Kermit, thank you!
Comment from Therese Caron
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I only give sixes to poems I can feel, so this rates six stars from me. I keep picturing Martin Luther King and his insistence on peaceful resistance. He did so much for this country, and if he can see us, his heart must be breaking. Your words are stellar, and you chose a beautiful image to complement it. Thank you for sharing this.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Therese, I am honored by your kind words and the reflection on Dr. King and the anguish he certainly would be feeling today, if alive. Where are the Dr. Kings in out time, which we, so much are in need of? Be well everyday, and stay hoepful! Thank you!
reply by Therese Caron on 04-Jun-2020
    Not that it matters, but I am white, and Dr. King is one of my top few heroes. A very brave man.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Likewise!
Comment from RPSaxena
Excellent
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Hello Friend,
Nice piece of Commentary and Philosophy Poetry in the form of 'Political Senryu' meeting the desired norms, having lucid phraseology, and in the context of today's American scenario beautifully depicting 'Nothing positive/sensible fruit can come out of the Negative/senseless actions!'
Laudable Attempt!
Good Luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Thank you.
reply by RPSaxena on 05-Jun-2020
    JLR, Most Welcome!
    With best wishes,
    ~ RP
Comment from Aussie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A bold but true statement. There is no respect, lawlessness, murder and mayhem. We the peacemakers are working behind the scenes, overwhelmed by the evil that has beset the greedy world today. We were given a choice in the beginning, it seems the peacemakers are in the minority. The leaders of the countries have a duty to work for the people, all people, black and white. It's not happening. Thanks for sharing. Prayer is the World's greatest wireless connection.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2020
    Aussie, I love your last sentence this is so universally true!