Poetry.

Wow.
Spoken words..
Anis Mojgani's slam poetry is simply amazing.
My favorite poem of his: Shake the Dust is truly inspirational.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDtHdloK44
Who knew that a few words strung together could create something so beautiful? I certainly didn't. It was certainly a wake up call... one which I will never forget. Watch his video. Tell me what you think. Your reaction?

Speaking of words... in English today we analyzed Langston Hughes' renound poem: Mother to Son.

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the timeI'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps'
Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Hughes' poem was written during the Harlem Reniassance, which is basically just as it sounds: in Harlem and similar to a Reniassance (blooming of culture, music, the arts). In his poem, a mother is narrating to her son about her hardships in life. Although she has come across a number of "splinters" and "boards," she has perseverd and remained resiliant. She has not given up. The mother is sincere and hopeful- anything but synical! I'm hoping I can be more like this mother. Instead of being a pessimist I should be an OPTIMIST. Instead of being hopeless I should be HOPEFUL. Instead of giving up.. I should PERSEVERE.
Okay. I'm done. That didn't take too much brain power, did it? My goal wasn't to be preachy today, that's what Mothers and teachers are for! I just felt the need to share with you these poems, since they have truly touched me. Touched my heart. Touched my soul.