Poem 3: Map of Pain

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Map of Pain

Despite this map of Pain

I have my Pride
I have my Ambition
I have my Integrity,
and I have my Name

Despite this map of Pain
By: Stephen Bess

Comments

Babz Rawls Ivy said…
My dear,

This Write a Poem Everyday thing is SO NOT going to be a challenge for you! What an amazing crafting of words and imagery.

See you tomorrow!
Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:07:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Thank you. I going to try and write something down every day. Cool. I'll see you tomorrow. :)
Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:10:00 PM
mindspill said…
Beautifully written. A reminder of what our ancestors endured during the years of slavery...for the sake of our future generation.
Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:22:00 PM
Anonymous said…
A powerful piece, Stephen.

"Map of Pain" : Perfect words
Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:32:00 PM
Geoffrey Philp said…
Stephen, you have finally given words to this image that has haunted me from the first time I saw it. Thank you. He has not suffered in vain because one of his "descendants" has given his pain a voice. This is an act of redemption.

Blessings,
Geoffrey
Friday, April 04, 2008 4:24:00 AM
neena maiya (guyana gyal) said…
The first time I read about how this 'map' was created, I had to force my tears back in, I was in the public library and was reading a rather unusual history book. Somehow, this map's been 'diluted' in the telling of Caribbean history.

Have you seen that documentary Prince Among Slaves? My mother can't stop talking about it.
Friday, April 04, 2008 5:20:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Mindspill-
Yes, a painful reminder. Thanks.

Will-
Thanks, I'm still moving forward.

Geoffrey-
I'm feeling your words. Thank you. This picture has always haunted me as well.

GG-
I haven't seen that film. I'll look it up on Amazon. Thank you.
Saturday, April 05, 2008 9:20:00 AM
Xave said…
And I thought words coud not add to this photograph... I was wrong. Of all people, I should have known better. I'm always learning from you.

Peace and Love,

Alizé (LoversA.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:12:00 AM
Xave said…
What can you tell me about the origin of this photo?

Alizé (LoversA.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:16:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Xavier-
Thanks. Actually, I don't know the origin of this photo. I will see if I can find out. I need to activate my Library of Congress research card. Peace~
Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:29:00 AM
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