Southern Nostalgia

On race relations and civil war history. A dialogue on some current events...

Southern Nostalgia by Sami Khalil

On race relations and civil war history…

“Nothing can humanize injustice. Nothing can dehumanize suffering.”

Told I my father-in-law, Oscar Curtin. A “Southern Gentleman” with strong morals, and convictions pregnant in devoted miscellany attached to the American civil war, with auras of sanctity as white as cotton.

The language he uses is peopled with noble sacrifices from constructed memory flickers.

But the facts of history are where things get tricky, rhetorically.

When roots of causes are explored, venturesome values piteously become homespun.

“Would to God and country look beyond old wounds, purveying not raw feeling.” I added.

“But those damn Yankees,” he conjured up as ghosts of the past, citing the rebel in him. “They will heavily pay for what was engendered on us, folks. No authority on Earth can shear off our connection to this beautiful land. No other worthy causes! Here lies the brave.”

I clerked persistently for right words, with lurid ease saying: “May we furlough the garrisoned watchers over deep hurt upon bookshelves. I’m no slave holder. No clustered hate of any race will ever avail. There is not but one human race, period.

For where injustice is situated, there lies eulogies. Where liberty and justice are ingrained, there lie laudatory virtues and poetry.”

 

Reviews

[ms. barrie]

splendid write!!! this speaks {for me personally}; of gloomy opposing apparitions gliding amongst the bones of the fallen trying to forever still arrogantly justify any wrongdoing {on their parts ... seemingly a karmic circle}

either way, your storytelling always has transported my imagination into bygone eras and leaves me to meander among their realms & ponder

this is a true testimony to your poetic gift. i wholeheartedly thank you for the read, Dear Poet :)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! I'm so honored by your visit and sharing as I honor you and your gift. Any feed back and appreciation help us to hone our craft and pour more magic into them. I admire you and your style. Thank you so much for all.

[ms. barrie]

you’re most welcomed, Dear Poet...and i feel the same exact way, {so blissed to have an genuine understanding} — so blessed of your inspiring presence shining upon the café!! will be back again soon to visit your art!! ~ brightest blessings ✨

[Sami Khalil]

Same here. Gracie Mille

[.]

Another fine write with a historical precedence, Sami.

The conflicting opinions of the two characters is just representative of a broader spectrum of our societies. Personal opinions are always reflective of experience and are most often ingrained in the psyche and very often unresponsive to change. I am sure, even now, some 150 plus years since the end of the Civil War there will be those who still have these same thoughts. The past and one's identity is always prominent in the development of thoughts and opinions. And they are stronger than even the weight of history.

Your concluding lines are quite profound; injustice results in casualties and liberty is rejoiced upon forever.

I enjoy these historical pieces, Sami. Keep them coming. Well written and profound work.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Amazing truth worded in a great and powerful perspective on this important subject. I love how you sum it all up with precision. You are a fine thinker. Thank you so much for all...

[andrew mitchell]

Haha another power poem piece from the King of verse. Well done my friend, delivery spot on

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Thank you so much beloved poet and friend for this wonderful review and appreciation. Much obliged to you.

[John Ciarmello]

To risk sounding (review repetitive) I will not say I love this piece! I WILL SHOUT IT!! you are the best my friend! I love the last paragraph especially. Thanks for another great read Sami

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! An honor indeed from a great poet and artist. I'm so grateful to this and all your recognitions. I do honor you.

[John Ciarmello]

And I you sir! Thank you Sami

[Sami Khalil]

:::::::::)))))))))))))

[barleygirl]

This is a brilliant construction of hazy elevated discourse to show how two people are seemingly agreeing and getting along, but speaking in ways that are grossly mismatched & misunderstood by each other. Or maybe (me not being an expert on anything "southern") . . . it could also be that persnickety southern way that one tells another to "shove it" cloaked in genteel tones of polite talk (ex: "bless your heart" meaning "you dumb s**t"). Anyhow, your probing intellect always challenges my feeble reading skills (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are amazing even in your direct talk for you say it as is. Like you said I like to be polite about it for formal reasons. So glad you like this take on history and current debates. Thank you so much beloved poet.

[emmajoy]

As ever and always you use language and introspection to make your writing more than words, Sami. This wonder says more about the hidden than the legible. And that is what history is, often re.written to suit the so.called facts or to hide truth before it's too late to kill it. We were made one, we ARE one - made to echo the rainbow above that should, by rights, reflect down, down pon earth. But what we forget, dear, wonderful friend, is that humans have short memories, they fail to learn from the past, they can hold it in contempt because tis easier to do that than - face truth. As to leaders, i once read that the person most likely to bring peace and love back to this planet is too wise to stand.. he knows that nobody listens. Your writing makes an inadequate think more.. thank you.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! What a marvelous lecture of history and humanity we all need. I love how you sum up things and put them in great perspective. It is great people like yourself that are going to make a difference in the world, even if small. I offer you my best regards.

[emmajoy]

To read your words, nudges us to remember what humanity means.

[Sami Khalil]

:)...............

[Great Aunt Astri]

History weighs heavily on many people, and the following innocent generations get the blame. There is something in the human psyche (psychological make-up) that make us feel the hurts of past generations. Hopefully future generations will 'grow out' of this percept, and realise, as you say, 'there is not but one human race.' I am very pleased that you wrote this piece. I hope it snowballs.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well said. I do hope so too. Thank you so much Great Aunt for this marvelous review and kindness. Take care...

[Great Aunt Astri]

You are most welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

:::::::))))))))

[Linda alexander]

This piece of writing relevant all the time in history but is most relevant at present. If we all belong to one human race why few are picked for suffering, few appointed for implementing injustice. Natural suffering can be linked to humanity. How we can link injustice to humanity. May be humanity died or humanity is in hibernation stage or stuck because of unknown reasons. A very thought provoking writing.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. So true and well articulated. A long subject indeed but very important. At least the U.S. constitution says that liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much beloved poet for all too.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

in this corner is the Champion of the Word!

regards,
al

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! I really appreciate the honor for the fight is long and hard. Humanity has still to rise above old wounds and hates. They are rampant all over the place. God help us. Thank you so much Alfred Kubitz for all.