social commentary

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

Harlem Nights
The jazz record plays, The old man with the red velvet hat smokes his cigar and sips his drink. On the dance floor, a couple dances, looking into each other eyes, not wanting to let go.
By Brianna McKinley8 years ago in Poets
Reflections
In the eye of the killer, you’re the prey, In the eye of the auteur, look for the story today, In the eye of a lover, you’re a beautiful thing
By Tony Lawlor8 years ago in Poets
Gears
Love is it real or is it fake, is it something to hate pick your take. Shame is lame, something that you can't tame. Peace take it or leave it, it's up to you to do the believing. Lies the only question I have is why. Good-byes saying it while looking in people's eyes. Tears mostly stems from people fears. Why have I been waiting all these years to take off and switch these gears.
By Dante Jenkins8 years ago in Poets
My Voice
My Voice. Won't be heard. Because I am a young, Caucasian, religious female. They won't want to hear my opinion once I say I'm independent in the political world. They won't listen because I'm not "old enough" to have an opinion. They won't listen because they think it's all a bunch of nothing, since it's coming from my mouth, my thoughts. They won't listen because it won't benefit them. They won't listen because I'm just a college student "not experiencing the real world." They won't listen because I am not a democrat. They won't listen because I don't claim republican. They don't listen because I am not ONE OF THEM. All they see is my pink pouted lips and 12-year-old looking body. "She's too young to have a say." "She's a woman." "She's a 'white' young lady with her heads in the clouds thinking things will ever change."
By Caitie8 years ago in Poets
Dreams
I dreamt a different life last night As a worker underground Fumes and dust filled the lungs Deafened by the sounds The toxins filled every cell
By Sany Abed8 years ago in Poets
"Damn This Limb Bow"
What would our forests look like, if the trees found a reason to war with each other? Two American flames trying to put out the other's fire,
By Chad Burke8 years ago in Poets
Attraction of Souls
They say you attract the same energy you give off What about the traits Are they saying I have them too What if I never experienced it
By Zhaii Rodney8 years ago in Poets
The Horror
I was terrified, couldn't believe what I was seeing, The madness the horror of it. I was so petrified beyond words, August 16th and the stores are already set up for Halloween,
By Crystal Korpan8 years ago in Poets
Greyscale Resonance
Every aspect of life holds duality More than duality, in fact, child... This thing is an ambiguous white water rapid So fluid and chaotic that nothing matters.
By Duanyell Williams8 years ago in Poets
Cats on a Window Sill
There are the miniature cats thatsit on the windowsill.They aren’t real,but they’re the closest friends right now. They are completely wooden.And their eyes are drawn on with red crayon,wide enough to pierce into your pupilsand break into your skull.
By Ti Ana8 years ago in Poets
America Is Hollywood
Let America be America again.Let it be the dream it used to be.Let it be the pioneer on the plainSeeking a home where he himself is free. —Langston Hughes
By Adem Garic8 years ago in Poets
We R Humans
We are human beings living on the planet called “Earth” We are young We are old We are the past, present, and incoming future
By Gladys W. Muturi8 years ago in Poets