Friday, August 18, 2017

Poetry Friday: Sherman Alexie's HYMN

Sherman Alexie

 For Poetry Friday today, a quick link to a poem making its way around the world of social media this week. It's Sherman Alexie's stirring new song of protest, a poem titled "Hymn," which reads, in part, like the kind of poem you wish nobody in America had to write. It asks a lot of questions that need to be asked. And it ends on a positive note, one we can all stand behind:

           We will be courageous with our love. We will risk danger
           As we sing and sing and sing to welcome strangers.

You can read the whole poem at Early Bird Books (and just FYI: The photo at the top of the Early Bird post shows a young protester marching with a sign that reads "We can do better than this." I agree - we certainly can.)

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The Poetry Friday round-up is being hosted this week by Kay over at A Journey Through the Pages. Head over there to see what other people have posted.

And don't miss Julie Paschkis's new post (about favorite books from her childhood) over at Books Around the Table





6 comments:

  1. I read and was moved by this poem earlier this week. I agree that it's one "you wish nobody in America had to write." It's a poem I have read again and again, and I've also shared it with others. I'm so glad you shared it here. The more people who read it and think about it, the better.

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  2. "Alone, we are defenseless. Collected, we are sacred."

    I had heard about this, but hadn't read it yet. Thanks for linking. Powerful.

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  3. Thank you for sharing this. Somehow I've missed it this week, but it is perfect--such powerful words we need to read and read and share.

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  4. "How much do you love the stranger and the stranger?"

    "Hymn" raises the goosebumps especially this line. Gratitude for posting this as it's new to me. Mr. Alexie, is a favorite author, as his path & his essays & novels are compelling.

    More thanks.

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  5. We are sacred and we can do better than this. I believe. Great post.

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  6. Excellent, timely poem Julie, deep, heartfelt, strong lines,
    "I am one more citizen marching against hatred.
    Alone, we are defenseless. Collected, we are sacred."
    Thanks for sharing all here, and passing the torch for justice!

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