Be...

Be...

A Poem by Carlos Lorenzo Estrada
"

Art is at its most powerful when it asks us to think not just of ourselves individually, but as a species our place in the world and the society we are a part of.

"
Be

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

"You'll never be, who you're meant to be, until you just learn to be."

But who am I in this colored guise; devoid of cultural significance 

I am a product of generations past, 

a child divided in culture clash.

What has America cost me? 

What has she taken of me...

in integration?

I'm a second son of a third generation;

that has come undone.

And as lost as my native tongue 

In ghosts of heritage 

Lost of song

And of courage 

Assimilation was encouraged as a noble token

Disregard roots of heritage and language spoken

But my name is foreign; still stays the same 

Stripped of what defines me and I'm left with shame

But I see it in their eyes nothing I can say or do

Will ever change their mind on how my skin is viewed

And despite the fact I carry a heart just like theirs 

It doesn't really matter for they never seem to care


I am the wet-****

The spi*

The field ni****

But I'm also

The co**

The Chi***

The Red n***

The Ki**

The bit**

The f**

The les**

I am in all of these hateful words

For that is what your eyes tell me

While my heart says

That I am brave

For in the end

It is what

I

Choose

To

Be

True

To

Me

© 2021 Carlos Lorenzo Estrada


Author's Note

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada
I had a dream...that within me were words ready to be expressed with profound wisdom and humanity that they would change the world. But when the time came to speak them I failed to even utter one single word. Remember this when you find your own heart seeking to express its truth and you fail to rise to that moment. Be true to your heart and the art that resides in you.

My Review

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Reviews

Carlos this is a beautiful expression that rolled out like a wave crashing upon the shore. It speaks the truth, felt in the heart. It resounds and echos in the soul. We all come frome roots dispised by others. Some try to hide this and others are big enough to recognize it. We are all one, whether we believe it or not.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

1 Year Ago

Thank you Soren for reading this earlier piece I submitted a while back. I could not have described .. read more
Soren

1 Year Ago

We all bleed red. Discrimination for me is not based on race, gender, or appearance but upon actions.. read more
Wow!!! This is a beautiful declaration of bravery. It's hard to be an outsider, congratulations, that's a strong feeling of belonging. You'll overcome every barrier my friend. You are a warrior!!

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you Abon for your kind words. Being in my mid 50s I would prefer living in a world where no on.. read more
Goodness what a powerful profound piece.

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you for the kind comment on this poem I really appreciate it. Sometimes words such as these ca.. read more
A very powerful and profound poem about today's society. I believe many in Europe, not just America, feel the same way. Too often we are shamed and made to feel embarrassed about ourselves, our origins, our opinions... but the most important thing is to never give in to this negativity. Instead, fight back and be ourselves, affirm who we are without being afraid of disappointing people. Because we can't please everyone in this world, but perhaps by speaking up, we can voice what others are too afraid to do.

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you Shannon for your thoughts on this poem I truly appreciate the kind words. And I totally ag.. read more
America is beautiful if we look at her that way, some people just don't want to,
now as I look at this poem in another view, I can also see in how we treat ourselves.
I miss the way this world used to be, It is going downhill, because no one cares anymore.
I know in my heart, America is beautiful, one can make a difference if they want to.

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Much like you I'm an optimist and have hope for a better world. My experience being born and living .. read more
Love this work and even though I will never fully understand your experience as only those who live an experience can define it. I can listen and gain more insight which this piece has done for me. Thank You

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you so much for your comment on this poem. America is beautiful because she is different for a.. read more
Your poem conveys the sensation that there's a war going on inside & outside. Excellent use of the name-calling list. Very thought-provoking writing. We cannot be separated from the times in which we live (((HUGS)))

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you Margie for your comment and you are right in your observance of these words. I am of blood.. read more
Today's world isn't the same it used to be. Society today has gone down hill so fast.

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

It truly has Kakey but as long as we have art we still have hope. Because with hope we can try to ch.. read more
(we find ourselves as a society at the precipice of our own demise.) Your words speak truth my friend...sadly it is so. Excellent write. ~Sharon

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you Sharon for the your comment I truly appreciate it. It is through our art that we strive to.. read more
Being true to yourself matters the most , if u aren't true to yourself , just a clone of the society that wants you to be , what's the point of living after all , Deciding to be true to yourself is a big step all of us need to take .There are people out there , feeling the same you are feeling or even if they aren't , u can change people's mindset about the things , the way they are . A very profound effect with every word Carlos , i really liked this one ,
Love Kathy

Posted 3 Years Ago


Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

3 Years Ago

Thank you Kathy for your wise insight that carries much truth. Never have we come closer to darker t.. read more
Kathy Mc Cathy

3 Years Ago

Think of it this way , you are part of different cultures., You know better than anyone how it feels.. read more

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16 Reviews
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Shelved in 1 Library
Added on October 15, 2021
Last Updated on October 16, 2021
Tags: love hope faith brotherhood

Author

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada
Carlos Lorenzo Estrada

salinas , CA



About
If I can say something worth saying that makes just one person think about others...I'll try. The greatest storyteller was my grandmother. I miss her stories. Also, I would like to add to please pay.. more..

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