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Title of poem: Kaleidoscope of Color
Source: The Kaleidoscope Of Color, p51.
Rating: 4 laurels out of 5 laurels.
Oneill A. Williams's poem "Kaleidoscope of Color" is a poem that encourages Africans to strive to be free and equal.
"WE ARE the kaleidoscope of color
That is Africa
We are free speech and freedom,
Shouting the message of equality
And pride to the four corners of the earth. "
The poem aims to rouse hope to its readers by reminding the Africans of their glorious civilizations which as history reveals happened in the past:
"We are hope.
For in us lies the promise of a better tomorrow.
We are the advancement and sophistication
Of our magnificent civilizations--
The knowledge that is us."
The message of hope, equality, freedom is kind of similar to speeches made by some African-American leaders of the past and present particularly the late Martin Luther King, Jr..
But instead of using the phrase "rainbow of color" preached by some African American leaders, Oneil uses the term "kaleidoscope of color".
A kaleidoscope is a common toy in our childhood days. Different colorful patterns can be seen when we turn around the kaleidoscope.
.
The poem seeks unity among Africans and overcome their divisions:
"We must unite,
For with unity of purpose
We must overcome that which seeks
To weaken and divide us.
We must realize our full potential. "
The poem rallies Africans to achieve in their endeavors:
"WE CAN accomplish anything
To which we set our minds.
Once we visualize, then we can realize."
The poet acknowledges that the task is great since he compares the task to climbing mountains.
"Today, we still have many mountains to climb
But, we should stop, rest a while and
Look back at all that we have achieved."
The poem received a silver medal in the "1st Muses Prize - Excellence in Printed Poem in 2004" for its positive message to its intended readers, the Africans.
Africa needs to work out their problems such as genocide in Sudan, extreme poverty in many countries, famine, ignorance, armed rebellion, slavery issues, colonization issues, etc. Only Africans can solve the problems of Africa.
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Kaleidoscope of Color
by Oneil A. Williams
Source: The Kaleidoscope Of Color, (2004) p.51
Publisher: Author House
WE ARE the kaleidoscope of color
That is Africa
We are free speech and freedom,
Shouting the message of equality
And pride to the four corners of the earth.
We are hope.
For in us lies the promise of a better tomorrow.
We are the advancement and sophistication
Of our magnificent civilizations--
The knowledge that is us.
WE MUST break the chains of ignorance
And soar above the pain of color prejudice
We must internalize,
So that the colors of Africa which
Lie within us radiate externally
And incite all on contact.
We must unite,
For with unity of purpose
We must overcome that which seeks
To weaken and divide us.
We must realize our full potential.
WE CAN accomplish anything
To which we set our minds.
Once we visualize, then we can realize.
If we can soar through heavenly skies
On wings of steel, then
We can unite for the common good
Of all peoples everywhere.
The power to effect change is in us.
Today, we still have many mountains to climb
But, we should stop, rest a while and
Look back at all that we have achieved.
Then, we must look to the future
To a time when we will fully
Embrace and appreciate
The beauty of each other regardless of
Class, creed or color.
WE ARE tomorrow's leaders.
WE MUST persevere.
WE CAN accomplish anything.
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Copyright belongs to Oneil A. Williams.
Published with permission from poet.