nOURishing Change
Turn this written word into spoken word poetry to remind us of the changes possible for folks struggling through hard times, through the love by our generous, caring community.
Were you moved by the passionate words of Amanda Gorman at the 2020 inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris?
Can you turn the words below into a heartfelt plea for local compassion and empathy? Or do you have your own work you’d like to share?
YES! Send your video clip to donors@ourplacesociety.com by Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. A team of judges will review all entries and announce winners of the following prizes by noon on May 21st. Winners will be judged on creativity and impactful messaging as follows:
1st PRIZE – $200 gift certificate to Big Wheel Burger, to be used in 2021 at any of their five locations
2nd PRIZE – $100 gift certificate to Big Wheel Burger
3rd PRIZE – $50 gift certificate to Virtuous Pie
4th PRIZE – $25 gift certificate to CAKES ETC.
All entries will be eligible for sharing on Our Place social media channels, and require a photo release form to accompany the submission if people’s faces are shown.
Writer Marjorie Baskerville is a certified SoundBody instructor in Sooke, and a singer/songwriter and performer. She was inspired to write this piece of spoken word poetry after she watched a documentary on the life of the rising star rapper, L’il Peep, who died at age 21 from a drug overdose.
_____________________________________
Who cares what other people think
go ahead
let them see you blink
tears of
oppression
compassion
depression
love is an action
hate is out of fashion
the pain within the blessin’
the beauty of the lesson
You don’t need to bow
stand tall
be proud
be loud
you’re not the mindless crowd
a raging darkened cloud
their hearts and minds
will change in time
the same is true
of yours and mine
the past is gone
be here now
in the storm
the bending bough
for life is just a song
beginning
middle
end
we ain’t here for long
it’s time to heal and mend
Silence the old voices
that ain’t where your path is
follow your own compass
fight for peace and justice
the world is in a crisis
find out where the light lives
do what you gotta do
be what your meant to be
stand up for love and peace
take it out into the street
for love is blind
kind
benign
a gift
to wrap and leave behind
for those who need it
anytime
it never spoils
feeds the soil
tills it under
cures the hunger
it’s a tonic
it’s harmonic
and its laugh is supersonic
Even in the darkest night
love will hold you in its light
bound you tight
until the dawn
golden blanket
healing balm
hold it close
don’t let go
love has come
to help you grow
Our Place is here to let you know
love is in you
let it flow
so….
Be hopeful,
delightful,
mindful,
insightful
be open and honest
keep every promise
open your mind, your soul
your heart
open the door
ignite the spark
light up the world
hold this truth
you’re loves perfection
through and through
there’s nothing left for you to do
just spread love
by being you.
(Send your name, email address to donors@ourplacesociety.com with your video clip rendition of this spoken word poetry by April 30, 2021).
