If you are reading this, you have survived
Another day of struggle and travail
Another fiendish plot, darkly contrived
Another bill deferred to no avail
You have escaped another plague most foul
Endured another war waged by mad fools
Though you did shiver, hearing wild beasts howl
You found refuge, and followed stringent rules
Though safety has an inflated, vile cost
And you must do a boring job to eat
You are not yet counted among the lost
And you might live to your smug boss defeat
Whatever else, survivors we all are
Let's recognize each other, near or far
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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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 7 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (7)
Really liked the message in this! We’re all waging our own battles or weathering our own storms
This is such a great expression of solidarity- gorgeous word choice and a stellar theme. Thank you for sharing this genuinely encouraging piece, D.J.!
Yes, we are survivors, and have something to celebrate. Thanks for helping us with this perspective.
A poignant reminder of our shared resilience in the face of life's trials. loved your poem.
Round of applause, take a bow, sir. This is powerful and poetic in all the best ways and I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments. Well done and thank you for sharing such an inspiring piece! Each day we get through, we are the survivors and I think everyone should take a beat and appreciate that of themselves!
I barely made it to today...seeing and reading this sure helped a whole heck of a lot, just what the doc ordered to start the day.
Today has been a difficult day so far and it's just 3.18pm for me. I just want this day to be over. I know I'll survive but... Loved your poem!
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