social commentary

There's a rich history of poetry serving as social commentary, intended to inspire calls to action.

How effortlessly you mock my pain
How effortlessly you mock my pain Twist my hurt, run with my story For your own selfish gain How easily you weave a tale
By D. Marie5 years ago in Poets
I cried for my ancestors tonight.
I cried for my ancestors tonight. I cried for their tears, and their pain. Their torment and trauma. Their fear and anger. Their hate and rage. I cried for their sons. And daughters. And fathers and brothers. Mothers and sisters. I cried for their blood that soaks this united land. For their labor that goes unnoticed. Unappreciated. For their bodies that were never found. I cried for their love that they struggled to give. The love that was struggled to give to them. I cried for the music made from that struggle, for that struggle. The music that encapsulates their drive to live, to prosper, to love, despite everything. I cried for their cry’s and their fight, and their spirit, and their strength. Their souls. Tonight I cried. For my people.
By Yasmin5 years ago in Poets
What We Are
What am I? I see all of these people saying who they are: A fighter, a survivor, an inspiration, a hero Then I hear people saying how they are:
By Cathryn Dennison5 years ago in Poets
Freedom of Speech
It's a new world, with false beginnings. Shallow souls, with deep feelings. Troubled paths that leads to empty homes. Killing the innocent ones everyday,
By Tecoria Savage5 years ago in Poets
Everywhere Girl
On all the schemes where I lived before I was twelve Girls could fight and swear and kick a football around, just like the boys
By Mo Ford5 years ago in Poets
Tainted by Covid-19
A year has passed & many people have to. Some who loved I and some who loved you, never the less whilst not gone and not best, our love and commitment has strengthened by test. Some left angry, hurt and confused, some left feeling they can’t trust the news. The world seems so harsh and the future so bleak though we don’t know if we’ve yet past the peek. Now take my hand, have a piece of my heart and know that we’re now one no matter how far, I know not your name but I for you I sacrifice so much of me, so please remain safe and The dark cloud, it shall flee! I risk you not nor the children in sight so please don’t play god please don’t puppet our lives.
By Elain Davies5 years ago in Poets
Wordplay
Sounds, letters, words, and phrases make up what we speak, Signals from our brain tell our mouth what should come out, Thousands maybe millions, no telling how many we actually say,
By AJ Thomas5 years ago in Poets
Street Lamp
I look up I see nothing But the orange of a lamp Against the blackening night sky How interesting to feel this encouraged inside
By Milo Marlowe5 years ago in Poets
"How can you not be angry?"
Your body, your freedom, your choice, your safety, your health, your happiness, your life, your soul.... they are NOT for sale.
By Jam Like Bam5 years ago in Poets
Digital Dreams
“So nice chatting to you!” “Speak soon, yeah?” “Cheers! xxxx” Click Message sent Another conversation Conducted through a screen
By Luke Mayo5 years ago in Poets
Our children
These are our children, we watch them endure in that way only children can. We watch them smile and we photograph them in the slums.
By Wild Thistle 5 years ago in Poets
Ironically Not Very Politically Correct
2021 So he’s gone, Really gone The pastor broke the news to his wife Their son, Only one, Was accidentally victimized
By Bailey Thornton5 years ago in Poets