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Title of Poem: Black African Genocide
Author: Harry E. Gilleland Jr.
Source: Gilleland Poetry - Storoems and Poems (2005) p. 67
Rating: 4.7 laurels out of 5 laurels
Harry Gilleland Jr.'s poem "Black African Genocide" is a rhymed poem consisting of 5 stanzas.
The poet ponders on why genocide continues unabated in the countries in Africa such as Sudan and Rwanda and the world just seem to ignore.
"Why, oh, why does the world sit idly by
and watch as black Africans suffer and die
by the hundreds of thoudands? In Sudan,
the Arab Janjaweed murder every man "
I have never heard of the word Janjaweed. The poem mentions the word twice.
Killing has become a normal way of life in Sudan. Gang rape of a woman is very common in these war-torn countries.
"and gang-rape every woman in towns
throughout Darfur. Where is found
the world's outrage at this genocide?
They've nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. "
The following quatrain reveals lawlessness reigns in Darfur. There is no law and police to protect innocent civilians:
"During the past eighteen months in Darfur,
every woman sees no one cares to save her
or her family from this wanton slaughter.
The janjaweed kill her son, rape her daughter. "
The next quatrain reveals the extreme poverty of the people - diseases, starvation, fear, homelessness.. There is a lack of social worker or nurses or doctors to take care of these apparently hopeless people.
"1.4 million have been displaced from their home.
Diseased, starving, in fear, they must roam,
seeking safety, only to die in some refugee camp.
In this darkness, why won't someone light a lamp? "
Who should be blamed for the decades of genocide in Africa? How do we end genocide?
"In 2004, Darfur will join Rwanda of 1994 in shame.
Some 800,000 died in Rwanda. Were we not to blame?
Why has the world collectively turned a blind eye?
We could end this genocide. Why do we refuse to try?"
Should we blame the Africans, the Europeans, the Americans, the Asians or the UN? Should we blame the politicians in Africa who do not know how to properly spend the taxes? Should we blame the educational system? Should we blame the foreign powers that continue to outsmart the Africans?
The poem of Harry reveals a hell-like state on earth or a hell condition in Sudan. What countries on earth can you find genocide as common as eating?
Unfortunately, the poem does not say how to end genocide.
Nevertheless, the poem is nominated "Best Poem of Year 2005" for its bold and controversial topic.
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Title: Flowerbuds
Author: Harry E. Gilleland Jr.
Source: Gilleland Poetry - Storoems and Poems, (2005) p. 24
Rating: 4.5 laurels out of 5 laurels
Available in Print edition.
by Harry E. Gilleland Jr.
Source: Gilleland Poetry- Storoems and Poems, p. 23
Flower buds have a beauty,
a freshness, and a delight
uniquely their own.
In the moment, they provide
joy and wonder at their perfection,
but more, when one looks at them,
they offer hope and promise
for future development into
exquisite flowers
with breathtaking attributes.
Today's buds shall fill our
tomorrows with brightness,
making the world a better
place by their presence
as flowers at their peak.
The flower buds of today
extend to all Mankind
confidence that the world
of tomorrow shall remain
worth the living.
I am most fortunate in having
five such buds of my own --
my five glorious grandchildren --
to love and enjoy watching
as they slowly open into
their individual beauty....
the next generation of flowers.
------------------------------------------
This poem is nominated for the "Best Poem of Year 2005 for the 2nd Muses Prize - Poetry".
--------------------------------------------------
Copyright belongs to Harry Gilleland Jr. Published with permission from poet.
C. Poems of Harry E. Gilleland Jr., (Louisiana)
Black African Genocide
by Harry E. Gilleland Jr.
Source: Gilleland Poetry- Storoems and Poems, p.67 Printer: Lulu Press.
Why, oh, why does the world sit idly by
and watch as black Africans suffer and die
by the hundreds of thoudands? In Sudan,
the Arab Janjaweed murder every man
and gang-rape every woman in towns
throughout Darfur. Where is found
the world's outrage at this genocide?
They've nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
During the past eighteen months in Darfur,
every woman sees no one cares to save her
or her family from this wanton slaughter.
The janjaweed kill her son, rape her daughter.
1.4 million have been displaced from their home.
Diseased, starving, in fear, they must roam,
seeking safety, only to die in some refugee camp.
In this darkness, why won't someone light a lamp?
In 2004, Darfur will join Rwanda of 1994 in shame.
Some 800,000 died in Rwanda. Were we not to blame?
Why has the world collectively turned a blind eye?
We could end this genocide. Why do we refuse to try?
---------------------------------------------
This poem is nominated "Best Poem of Year 2005 for the 2nd Muses Prize - Poetry"
----------------------------
Copyright belongs to Harry Gilleland Jr.
Published with permission from poet.
All rights reserved.