Happy Poetry Friday!
I’ve been watching the Democratic National Convention this week–I really enjoyed the spirit generated from the count across the country and outside the country on Tuesday evening. I’ve been watching it on my PBS station and listened to a bit of the commentary afterwards. There was some discussion on the music and dipping into the past–which may not appeal to millennials one of the commentators criticized. Although another commentator, Michael Nutter, former mayor of Philadelphia said something to the effect that the overall convention was offering good feelings which we haven’t had in a long while and he thought this worked, I agree. By the way one of the songs played, O-o-h Child, happens to be a favorite of mine, and I’m sharing it below. I wrote a found poem taken from Monday evening’s speeches. If you feel like reclaiming our country speak out, get involved, and spread some love around!
HARDTIME–I GET THAT
It’s a hard time
hard time,
believe me,
I get that–
Authoritarianism
has taken hold,
It’s a hard time
hard time and
by rejecting science he’s put
our lives and health in jeopardy–
It’s a hard time
hard time and
the future of our planet
is at stake–
It’s a hard time
hard time and
It’s past time for
our leaders to fight
for who we are–
It’s a hard time
hard time and
when you see something
that’s not right
you must say something
you must do something–
It’s a hard time
hard time and
we’ve got to
reset ourself
in America
believe me,
I get that–
© 2020 Michelle Kogan
Found poem from the 2020 Democratic National Convention Speeches.
Ways to get involved, Organizations and info:
Democratic Party –Take action page
Pew Research Center–Election 2020
Gallup– News Page
Morning Consult–News & Analysis page
The Progressive– Seven Ways to Volunteer in the 2020 Election
Teen Vogure–7 Ways to Get Involved in the 2020 Election If You’re Under 18
Rock the Vote–Voting Info Page
League of Women Voters–Elections page
Ramona Behnke at her blog Pleasures from the Page is hosting this week’s Poetry Friday roundup, thanks Ramona! She’s celebrating the 19th amendment with 14 + ways and more to celebrate, along with lots of poetry.
Visit Renée LaTulippe’s site No Water River to find out more about Poetry Friday.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
You have lots of resources for us today, Michelle! We all have to do something to get our country through this hard time. I like your flag and “HardTime–I Get That.” (“Ooh Child” makes me think of Guardians of the Galaxy…I can’t imagine the younger crowd not knowing it!)
It was a wonderful week, “I get that” & am proud of all that they made happen, now yes, time to do something! I love your flag ‘swirling’ round us, Michelle, & that you captured good words from the start! Last night was the icing on the cake!
Michelle, I love this found poem. Finding words to use in a new way gives me this great focus that I wish I could transfer to other areas of my life. But, I really like your use of repetition and the rythymn and the beat of the whole. Well done. And, wowsa for your painting? Is that your work, the flag? I assume it is. I love it. I’ve been spending more and more time at my table dabbling and making. It just makes me so happy.
I love your post, and the way it’s both fun and serious.
Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Love that you compiled a found poem from the DNC. Time for us to do better in America! Thanks for all the links. I’m forwarding them to a couple of friends.
Your found poem uses repetition to such great effect, and your art, as always, is the perfect accompaniment. Great post! Thanks for all the links.
The element of repetition rises up to meet me in your poem Michelle, along with a profound sense of positivity. From afar I continue to be a keen observer of politics and the decline of civility has been all too apparent in American political discourse in recent years. Let’s hope the pendulum can swing towards a more cohesive future, not just for America but for the world in general. What you have ‘found’ in these speeches is a good start.
Michelle, I also wrote a found poem from last night’s convention. I like the repetition in yours and the final inspirational thought.
It’s a hard time
hard time and
we’ve got to
reset ourself
in America
The music is the right touch and the drawing is so creative and flowing.
I think the form of your poem is perfect for the content, with the repetition and short lines. Wonderful! I also loved your art, and loved, loved, loved the video. Thank you, Michelle.
Just the perfect found poem for this time in our nation – now to move forward and vote BLUE in November.
Michelle, your post perfectly captures the mood of the past week. The repetition of “it’s a hard time” underscores the anger and frustration so many of us feel. Thank you for ending with the optimism of “O-o-h Child.” Here’s to brighter days!
Thanks so much, Michelle – for that GORGEOUS image as well as your thoughtful post and timely links. Yes, to Catherine’s brighter days….!!