Speak Truth

Speak truth

(A writer's mantra)

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Speak truth, be truth,

Do not travel the road with words unsaid.

We write to express view

Write to be a better you.

Inspire those who you have never met.

With love and guidance, refuse regret.

A writer's path is lonely at times.

We fear judgement, criticism, cruelty unkind.

The young fear being judged too immature.

The old fear not being heard at all, and thus obscure.

But who will pick up the pen when words need be said?

The poet, the artist, the wordsmith long dead?

Be truth, be you,

Express to this world your point of view.

We may not always agree on the things that we express.

Find compassion warthm understanding; not anger rage, and regress.

Treat the work of other writers as if it were your own.

Open up your heart and give the words a home.

And in doing so you will be free.

For the road most difficult to travel; is the path we choose to be.

Author's Note

We owe it to ourselves to be truthful in content and character. In our art we reflect our values, aspirations, and hope to our future writers. It is incumbent on us to encourage their talent and the voice they have unique to themselves. Because in them there will come the next Socrates, Poe, Hemingway, Angelou, and a universe of others special storytellers and poets.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Ferlinghetti talked about the poet being like an acrobat performing above the heads of his audience...
I think we perform among them...and we hope that the audience whether they know us or not, will gain some insight and feeling by reading us.
I am quite fond of this piece. It speaks for those of us who are really serious about our poetr.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Jacob, for your kind words. I am moved by the extraordinary poets in this community who toil day after day plying their craft and sharing their art. It takes incredible discipline and a love for writing few have to submit art simply for the joy of art. Expecting nothing in return but to hope the words written find a home in a readers heart. It's like a gardener tending to his garden ceaselessly to produce wonderous colors and fragrances in a multitude of flowers. Then clipping the stem of a prized rose and sharing it freely to admirers. It is to show our love for craftsmanship in words which we hope to inspire thought in the mind of our audience. It is the hope to move them into being extraordinary themselves in whatever talents they may possess. It is in the hope they will be better human beings for it. This poem is simply a reminder of why we write and our aspirations for those who allow us a home in their hearts by accepting our gift. I have said before, Jacob, I marvel at your talent to produce on a daily basis thought provoking incredible poetry. And many here as well in this community do the same. With out having any expectations in return, except those mentioned above. This simple poem is for all of you. And you are all in these words. I am blessed to be a part of this community and I am humbled by it.

[jen]

holy moly Carlos, I feel like you see things in a similar way as I do.
"Speak truth, be truth,
Do not travel the road with words unsaid"
There are times when the words are just there and want to be said and there are times when I just want to be heard and manipulate the words... two sides of the same coin.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Exactly the idea of these words. We are writers and our gift is in the manipulation of words into creating meaning or abstract thought. We strive to profoundly challenge or change the mind of our readers. Because the gifts of words we share with them lives in their hearts and it is that which they pass on to others. Our idea, our hope, love, becomes a part of them. Be true to your art Jenny. Let it be unforgettable so that this piece of you lives on forever in those who read your work. Be true to you, and people will love reading your work because it reflects you in the words. Never stop writing it is your gift.

[Sara Mari]

This was beautiful, thank you.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Sara, for taking the time to read and leave a kind review. I couldn't ask for anything more as a storyteller and writer of words for someone to be touched by a small piece of my art. This was written for all writers because it takes some bravery to put your heart out there for all to see and judge. You are in these words.

[h d e rushin]

what have we learned from the last 12 months? That truth is burdensome? That when it is the most inactive it is also the most dangerous? Angelou was the result of extreme trauma. Poe was crazy. Hemingway a drunkard .But their genius was in how they interpreted the world around them..In ancient Rome the augur's duty was to interpret omens such as the flights of birds and usually the public hung by his every word because no one else had the nerve to be mistaken. What your poem means to me is to stay true to your heart and sincere to understanding.....beautifully written....dana

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Dana, for your review and taking the time to read these words. Your insight and truth touch me. In this day and age to sit silent in the face of injustice is to accept cowardice in our non action and indifference in our hearts toward one another. Elie Wiesel the great writer once said, "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." And also, "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference." As empathetic human beings we can not remain silent, for in doing so we become culpable in that silence towards the hate upon and toward one another. It becomes acceptable to place children in cages, it becomes acceptable to attack people of color for a plague, and it becomes acceptable to place a knee upon another human being till their life has ended. No more, I won't stay silent, no more will I let my color define me lesser patriotic, and no more will this hate be acceptable on any level in this society as long as I can speak. We must speak truth, it is imperative as a writer to place high regard for the words we put out into this world. It is a defining quality of content of character and our better humanity. And it is the inspirations of those that came before us who we aspire to be...just better people for and to each other. Thank you for your kind words and this conversation.

[Poetic Beauty]

We writers and artist of all kinds bring forth ideas and conversations that many keep quiet about until provoked by reading, seeing or hearing something that makes people decide to open up.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

That is true and I feel that is the purpose of art. To present an idea and personal belief that sparks a conversation among community. To reveal one's truth to their peers, their perspective, their point of view. Not all will always agree with an individual's belief, but at least we open ourselves to other ideas and listen, not just with mind but heart as well. Art is personal because it comes from the heart, it reveals us, our vulnerabilities, our frailties, our humanity. We grow as artists through the reading of others, and at times their art makes us malleable. It changes us. It makes us willing to have the difficult discussions without harsh biases falling from our lips. Writers are sponges we absorb and view the world differently then others. We tend to be more attuned to things around us because they are vibrant colors to us which we paint with words into story and poetry and commentary. To be a writer is to be a better empathetic human being. To be a bad writer is to succumb to our worse vices and spout lies and division into the world. Speak truth aspires us all to simply be better and kinder to one another. For the love of writing, because she is deserving of only our best humanity. Thank you PB for this conversation.

[Poetic Beauty]

I agree that as artists we feel and see things on a different level.

[Ladysue]

What a sincere creative, inspiring piece of work you have written here. I enjoyed this immensely as it speaks of the importance of not only in writing etc but being honest with ourselves and others. Beautifully written..

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Ladysue, for taking the time to read and review this poem. I really appreciate it. I take writing to heart and feel privileged to have the ability in sharing my words with peers I admire and respect. Being part of this large community I feel a huge responsibility and obligation to pay back all that it has given to me and to be honest and forthright in the words I share. It's because there are young impressionable minds who come here seeking to share and find a bit of knowledge that will guide them along in their writing journey. I want to give to them the encouragement and wisdom that I did not receive when I was a young child first discovering this life changing art in words. We influence the minds of future writers whose possibilities are endless in the abundance of their talents. We may be speaking and assisting the next great writer who will have a profound impact on their generation with the power of the words they write. We must seek to instill honesty and integrity in this art form that we all love. And demand of them to speak with voice their purity of truth. I have never been a teacher, nor am I a father. But in these moments and these times writing has placed upon my shoulders this greatest of responsibilities and opportunities to be that which I have never been. And I am moved by this moment because I have no allusions of being a renowned author or a pinnacle of success. I only wish to be a better man and for those who read my work to see my evolution as simply a good and honest storyteller who loved his craft and admired his peers around him who reflect the same ideas and joy of writing. This poem is a reflection of our hope, and is of all of us, within these words. Thank you for this chance to have a conversation that is both enlightening and revealing for our love of writing.

[Ladysue]

Carlos what an inspiring and wonderful hopeful noble undertaking you bring to your words. It’s awe inspiring and a wonderful endeavor. Honesty, integrity and wisdom are a blessing to receive as we read words of hope and truth in your thoughts. Thanks for sharing and passing what you learned onto others..

[emmajoy]

This is more than a mantra.. this is an honest and dignified belief - as opposed to appraisal of how to be, not only as a writer but a human being. Some, NO - many, will create a persona, write what they think others will praise - that is commercialism not creativity!

I noticed mention further down of Steinbeck. His writing was the first American prose I read when about thirteen or so.. a Brit who has stuck happily in that same place for thirty years!! For me, his heart and mind is what his nation owned or needed.. thank you.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Emmajoy, for your thoughts on this poem. I agree with your assessment on Steinbeck. He truly was one of the great writers. His short story 'the Pearl' was the first of his works that I read back in 1980 for lit class. Prior to him all I ever read was Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. Not that there is anything bad at all with King, or Lovecraft, but Steinbeck is on a whole different level. I am sure even King would agree. I mean really, Of mice and men, East of eden, the grapes of wrath, and more. There is no comparison. It's like trying to compare George R. Martin, to Tolkien. Blasphemy! Tolkien is unparalleled and the utmost pinnacle of fantasy. In my eyes he is Fantasy. Oh, don't even get me started or I'm going to lose my mind hahaha. Despite King being commercial I have to admit I probably wouldn't have read some of the truly great writers like Poe, Hemingway, and many others. On a side note one of the most powerfully moving books that was influential in me wanting to write was the novel 'Night' by the great Jewish American writer Elie Wiesel. Even to this day that story moves me to tears and speaks to me on a human level. Great writing should always strive to do so. Because we should never forget. Thank you, Emmajoy, for allowing me to share and reminisce of my love for the great past authors. Who influence me to this day. I would be happy to write just 1 tenth percent of how great they were as artists of words. I consider it a privilege to have even read their books and stories, let alone attempt to write a simple word in their craft.

[Meenakshi Dutta]

Yes, truth stands tall against all the odds.
Such a beautiful writing.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you for your kind review and thoughts. I really appreciate it.

[Myra Fellows]

What event in your life-sparked this poem.
I am curious.
I do hope you will share.
Myra

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Hello, Myra, thank you for your question and also taking the time to read this poem. I was inspired by a newer member who was young and requested if someone could be kind to review his first submission. As a mature adult who is in his mid 50s and been writing off and on since I was 12 yrs old, I wanted to say to him the words that were never told to me as a young child discovering the art and craftsmanship of words. And as I thought before penning this piece I had to reflect on all the years up to this point. A catharsis I wasn't really expecting. As if I had the opportunity to tell my younger self what he should know about his writing journey. All the past things culminated to this moment and I felt an obligation to this community to share a mantra that we inspire toward. This poem is your voice as much as it is others here who kindly see a bit of their wisdom in the words. It is the lifetime journey of a writer who writes simply for the love of the art, and the profound honesty it avails us all. Thank you and I hope I was able to answer your kind question as eloquently truthful as I could.

[Samuel Dickens]

I'd couldn't agree with you more. It boggles my mind that millions of Americans would rather believe a lie than the truth. WTF is wrong with them? Honesty in all things has value, but dishonesty and deceit are worthless. In art, also, there must be honesty.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Samuel, for speaking your peace and truth. Art demands honesty from us as creators. Our words are a reflection of ourselves. If one is lacking in character their word holds less, much less, compared to one who lives righteous in truth. And what is the cost of truth? Ask Gandhi, MLK, Lincoln, and others who have paid the highest sacrifice to its ideology. We have forgotten the face of our righteous fathers, and for that we are shamed. But even as we fall we are given opportunity to stand. And to stand much stronger then before, not just for us, but for our children. And also the next generation of writers and artists who follow in our footsteps. They deserve both our hope and the truth. It is the only essential legacy we can leave behind.

[Gary Edward Geraci]

An incisive and inspiring write Carlos! I heard it said not too long ago that if we don’t let the praise go to our heads then we can better manage the insults from going to our hearts. (Dennis Prager)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

thank you, Gary, for the kind review and also taking the time to read this poem. It is appreciated. The great philosopher and pacifist Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." As writers who influence young impressionable minds we must be bound to this idea. That truth is a defining quality in the content of character. That is how we will build a better world, when we start believing in truth again. This poem reflects every writer in this forum and community. It could not exist without their works. Thank you again for your words and kindness.