Any farmer will tell you that the crop is only good as its ground...
Digging deep below the surface, looking for the treasures to be found,
Will my ancestors turn out to be princes, patriots, or just everyday hounds?
All of us have wondered, gleaned from family lore; some swab their DNA.
The elders we do know might have been good/bad, a few left, some stayed?
Was it nature or was it nurture or a mix of the two that make us "that" way?
These questions plague all of mankind, but the bottom line is choice.
Do we choose cruel words or is there kindness in our voice?
Do we place the blame on others or do we look above to sing, "rejoice!"
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 5 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (7)
Great poem
Very good, Shirley!!💕💗
I love that first line about the crop being as good as its ground; it sets up the whole idea perfectly. Asking if it's nature, nurture, or just a mix is something we all wonder about. You brought it back to a powerful conclusion: ultimately, it's about the choices we make right now, no matter who our ancestors were. That's a great encouraging message!
You dug deep (pun intended) and surfaced something universal about ancestry, choice and kindness. Nicely done! The crops of the heart are just as important as the crops of the field. 💖
Such a lovely reflection on ancestry and personal choice. I really like how you bring it back to the idea that, no matter our roots, we’re responsible for what grows from us.
Excellent take on the challenge and some great lines
Was it nature or was it nurture, I especially loved that. Such a beautiful poem!