This week I chose one of my own photographs. I’ve struggled to put into words what I am feeling, but I can walk for peace. I can trace letters on a white board. I can be part of the change.
Whether you attended a march or not, I know your feelings run deep. Poets are like that. We feel things. We notice. We process. We write.
Take a minute, not too many, then pick up your pen and scribble 15 words or fewer, maybe more, in response to this photo. Go for your first thought. See where it takes you. Please do not leave without writing a few encouraging words to another writer. Thanks!
Before the storm,
Margaret Simon, flash draft
we listened
to passionate words,
a list of names,
a prayer.
Then we walked
with each other.
Reflections on the Teche 
Thank you, Margaret for this prompt. I love the word “together” in your flash draft . I’m also trying to gauge my place in pressing for peace.
I Can
pray
I can talk
I can march
I can chant and sing and shout
But if you
my brother, my sister
cannot without harmwithout
peacewithout safety
without kinship
I am one cymbal
clattered to the floor
useless
Come,
let us rise
and lead the parade
also a flash draft
“one cymbal clattered on the floor” is a great metaphor. I love the invitation at the end to lead the parade, softening the crash of the cymbal. Thanks for writing.
I appreciate how you focus on what “can” be done. Then inviting others to join. Thanks for sharing
Strong, somber poem Linda, wringing through your words and “useless” “cymbal.”
Thanks for sharing this photo and your poem, Margaret.I think it is important not just to think about how we feel, but to write down our feelings. It is a reminder of our commitment
Some thoughts this morning:
we come together
in peace
to do better
to dream the dream
in solidarity
Yes, Rose. I believe that we should keep the dream alive. I like your word choice of solidarity.
I agree with Margaret, “solidarity” rings out in your poem–I think of all the solidarity movements and this present one with a heavy sigh of humanities inhumane actions.
I like the word solidarity in your poem. Oh, do we need that
Thanks for Marching Margaret, your photo prompt, listening, and writing!
Raise your voice
Your sign
Listen…
Do you hear
Cries,
Pain,
Suffering,
Inhumane atrocities
calling through
centuries
for
Breath
for
Life
to live, love, move
in one’s own skin
as human beings
brown
black,
Listen…
and
Act
for
Change
Michelle Kogan
Flash draft
Love this Michelle. The form accentuates the important words and moves along to an act for change. Love the repetition of listen.
“calling for breath” amen.
Chloe’s mother sent me two poems that she wrote to this photo:
A group of people
That strongly believe
Making a difference
That we deserve
Making a difference
That is fair
Making a difference
That we understand
Making a difference
That we all believe
This is a picture
That needs
Our help
That describes
Our worries
And blessings too
This picture needs
Me and you
Wow! This poem is fantastic! Well done, Chloe…especially the last line.