Poems Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance
January 9, 2023
“Who Am I” by Kailyn Beckham, ’23
You see my father the pastor and make assumptions
You assume i’m really sweet holier than thou
You assume i’m going to do everything by the rules
The questions that remains is who am I
I am the girl who acts just like her dad
we act so much alike it’s scary
like we’re the same person
I am stubborn and headstrong
When my mind is made up there’s no changing that
kind of like a tattoo once its there you gotta live with it
I am very direct communicator
Beating around the bush not for me
Yes I can be the nicest person but not the person to cross
I can talk to you and laugh with you but when you make me mad that’s it
like a bull once they see red they go crazy
I stand up for myself
Like pandas are sweet but if you attack they attack worse
By now you know who I am
“Little Dark-Haired Girl,” by Ciara Gerring, ’23
Little dark haired girl sweet and heavenly like a jasmine flower,
Her hope is as strong as a well built tower.
Little dark haired girl ready to take on the world,
Despite its hiss and dizzying swirl
Little dark haired girl skin that gleams golden in the sun,
Stemming from oppression but her hope remains a ton
Little dark haired girl inspired by the Lady Day
Her solitude too haunted by the words she pray
Little dark haired girl in love with the color green
Good thing she was never one to take a dip in non sober seen
If you were curious to see
That little dark haired girl is me
“Oh, Lady,” by Israel Scott, ‘23
Oh Lady Day, oh Lady Day,
Your voice so sweet, your soul on display.
With every note, you sang so true,
You captured hearts and made them anew.
Your music spoke of love and pain,
Of joy and sorrow, sunshine and rain.
You poured your heart into every word,
And left a legacy that will forever be heard.
Your voice was a gift from above,
A beacon of light, a symbol of love.
You inspired generations with your art,
And left a lasting impression on every heart.
So here’s to you, Lady Day,
Your music will live on in a forever-changing way.
You will always be remembered, and always be loved,
For the beauty and grace, you brought to this world.
Back then from below, now from up above.
“Change,” by Kalel Fargo, ’23
Something Found on the street
Or maybe it can be found in beat
Bessie smith was change
From The grove of the beat
That made you move your feet
The lyrics that had the critics
Smith was change
From breaking stereotypes
And records
All in the same fight
Smith Was change
From Coming out
On stage
To her fans
In the stands
Smith was change