Courtney Leigh's
Youth and Diversity
Education, Links and Other Cool Stuff
Poetry

The two poems below work back closely to feelings I know and I believe both apply in their own way directly to diversity.
They are two wonderful poems and I am happy to be able to share them with you.


"I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wing in the orange suns rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

~~by Maya Angelou~~


I am worthy

I am worthy of my life and
all the good that is in it.
I am worthy of
my friends and their friendship.
I am worthy of spacious skies, amber waves
of grain and purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain. (I am worthy, too,
of the fruited plain.)
I am worthy of a degree of happiness
that could only be referred to as
"sinful" in less enlightened times.
I am worthy of creativity,
sensitivity and appreciation.
I am worthy of peace of mind, peace on Earth,
peace in the valley and a piece of the action.
I am worthy of God's presence in my life.
I am worthy of my love.


By Peter McWilliams

May God Bless Him
May He Rest In Everlasting Peace

_____________________________________________________________

Now a couple poems for me. Growing up fat brought along with it, labels, loneliness, abuse from peers in school, teachers, both parents (who emotionally and physically abused me), discrimination, segregation, sexual abuse and a life time of indelible scars all because I was different . The world was not yet ready to acknowledge all my wonderful qualities and strengths we now know our  youth of diversity possess.

Pain and Hurt
Author Unknown


To feel lost in emptiness
Lost in this patheticness
It's painful
It's unbearable
And when the world ignores you
And when you don't know what to do
You feel the anger
You've about had enough
Now you're sad
Now you grow mad
You begin to hate the world really bad
The world just keeps hurting you
What are you supposed to do
What is it you are feeling
What is it your heart is bringing
When your treated like you're a mistake
You knew that's all it would take
And when the world treats you like dirt
You just know this is hurt.

This poem touches my heart most deeply.
How often while growing up I yearned for someone, anyone to extend their hand and help me find my way through the difficult times and growing pains. Now I share this with you so you might understand what everyone of you around the world can do to help bring us together in peace and harmony;
Helping Hands Across The Stepping Stones Of Life.

Stepping Stones
Author Unknown


Come, take my hand, the road is long
We must travel by stepping stones.
No, you're not alone, I'll go with you.
I know the road well, I've been there.
Don't fear the darkness, I'll be with you.
We must take one step at a time.
But remember, we may have to stop awhile,
It is a long way to the other side
And there are many obstacles.
We have many stones to cross, some are bigger than others.
Shock, denial, and anger to start.
Then comes guilt, despair and loneliness.
It's a hard road to travel, but it must be done.
It's the only way to reach the other side.
Come, slip your hand in mine.
What? Oh yes, it's strong, I've held so many hands like yours.
Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand
In order to take the first step.
Oops! You've stumbled; go ahead and cry,
Don't be ashamed, I understand.
Let's wait here awhile and get your breath.
When you're stronger we'll go on, one step at a time.
There's no need to hurry.
Say, it's nice to hear you laugh. Yes, I agree,
The memories you shared are good.
Look, we're halfway there now. I can see the other side,
It looks so warm and sunny.
Oh, have you noticed, we're nearing the last stone
and you're standing alone!
And look, your hand, you've let go of mine!
We've reached the other side.
But wait, look back, someone is standing there.
They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones.
I'd better go, they need my help.
What? Are you sure?
Why, yes, go ahead, I'll wait. You know the way,
you've been there.
Yes, I agree, it's your turn, my friend,
To help someone else cross the stepping stones.

Thank you for allowing me to indulge myself a little
 

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