Poem Of The Week: The World Rising

This week on Poem of The Week I would like to formally introduce American poet, novelist, and social activist Alice Walker. Alice Walker, a well-known feminist, also known for writing the famous novel The Color Purple. Like the times we are in currently, her existence is very relevant then and now. She was also known for short stories that would offer insight on greater African American culture and feminism. Her poem The World Rising is an example of her speaking towards the universe as a whole. A way to move as one in order to advance from human tragedy that has been caused to each other by each other. A way to heal as a whole.

“

The world rising
Can put an end
To anything:
The murder of children
Whales
Elephants
Forests
Oceans.
Get up.  Roll over
On that part
Of you
That will not
Welcome
Recognize
Encourage
Or even see
Our rise.
A compassionate roll:
We must be done
With cruelty
Especially to ourselves,
To start again
Beaming like the sun;
Fresh.
But a roll that shows
We’ve reached the end
Of polite moves to
Repair and re-create the Earth,
And will press hard
On any parts of us
Even those we’ve loved,
That insist
On remaining
Oblivious
and
Asleep.

“

As relevant as this may be towards present-day current events, are these current events the beginning of an ending to a long-awaited solution? As well as a rise in the new world order? Stay tuned until next week for another Poem Of The Week.