"Poems of Freedom and Hope"

I have begun entering writing contests and writing for calls for submission when I can. Back in August, I entered a trio of villanelles into a publication. Sadly, they were declined. I decided I'd like them to still see the light of day, so I've compiled them here.

I chose to write three villanelles around the theme of resistance and liberation. Each poem in this small collection of three poems was inspired by something different. The first poem, "Whispers in the Night, the Path is Clear," was inspired by Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The second poem, "Rise with the Dawn, the World Awaits Anew," was inspired by the hope we often feel with the dawn of a new day. The call and response feel was drawn from the call and response of African hymns and songs from the Underground Railroad time. Lastly, "The Flag Waves High with Stars and Stripes Bright," was inspired by the American flag and what it represents. I hope you enjoy my little collection of poems.

Whispers in the Night, the Path is Clear

A Villanelle About Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Whispers in the night, the path is clear,

A beacon in the dark, she leads the way,

Toward freedom’s light, no more to fear.

*****

Through forests deep, where danger’s near,

With silent steps, they dare not stray,

Whispers in the night, the path is clear.

*****

Chains once bound, now disappear,

Her courage lights the dawn of day,

Toward freedom’s light, no more to fear.

*****

The North Star shines, a guide so dear,

In shadows, they move, as the dawn brings day,

Whispers in the night, the path is clear.

*****

With every step, the promised land draws near,

She won’t let darkness lead them astray,

Toward freedom’s light, no more to fear.

*****

Her name, a call, a cry sincere,

For those she saved, forever they’ll say:

Whispers in the night, the path is clear,

Toward freedom’s light, no more to fear.

Rise with the Dawn, The World Awaits Anew

Rise with the dawn, the world awaits anew,

In fields where shadows long have danced and played,

The sun will guide us on, our spirits true.

*****

From ancient songs where echoes softly grew,

The call to unity in voices laid,

Rise with the dawn, the world awaits anew.

*****

In rhythms old where life’s old stories flew,

We gather round the fire’s warm cascade,

The sun will guide us on, our spirits true.

*****

With every beat, the past and present blend,

A harmony that never can degrade,

Rise with the dawn, the world awaits anew.

*****

Through trials faced and dreams that won’t subdue,

The dawn’s embrace is neither cold nor staid,

The sun will guide us on, our spirits true.

*****

In every heart, the call rings out and calls,

A promise strong, though time may quickly fade,

Rise with the dawn, the world awaits anew,

The sun will guide us on, our spirits true.

The Flag Waves High with Stars and Stripes Bright

The flag waves high with stars and stripes bright,

We hear tales of battles fought and won.

In freedom's name, we give our flag flight.

*****

For every dawn, the banner's high flight

Represents the dreams of those who’d not be overrun.

The flag waves high with stars and stripes bright.

*****

In shadows deep, where tyranny takes flight,

Resistance fuels the hearts of everyone.

In freedom's name, we give our flag flight.

*****

Though shackles bind and silence holds its might,

The song of liberty can’t be outrun.

The flag waves high with stars and stripes bright.

*****

Through struggle fierce, the truth will come to light,

As tyranny is defeated, and the villains undone.

In freedom's name, we give our flag flight.

*****

From every corner, every race, each fight,

We rise to claim the prize, the victory won.

The flag waves high with stars and stripes bright.

In freedom's name, we give our flag flight.