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BiMonthly blog challenge accepted with an occasional jaunt to the Banana Bar Challenge. |
Judith, Praised Be I am the daughter of grace and glory mother of integrity and honor I am the earth and sky my aged body remains straight and strong my mind is ever captured by the wonder of words my joy unfettered and contagious my gratitude humbled and lavish I am a survivor amongst the giant trees rooted yet with the wings of eagles ~~Judi Van Gorder I'm told, my name in Hebrew means "praised". I wrote this poem as an example of an African Praise Poem. I have done extensive research into poetic forms and genres and documented my findings at Poetry Magnum Opus  . The genre of Praise poetry immediately came to mind when asked, "how much of your own life do you put into your writing?". This particular genre is specific to South African nations and is a popular indigenous oral tradition which in the past century, has transitioned to the literary world. In Zulu it is called izibongo, Lesotho, dithoko and in Setswana, maboko. The poetry celebrates national heroes, kings and often, the poet him or her self and is more laudatory than epic. It doesn't tell a story, it simply lavishes praise on the subject. These poems were originally composed in the spur of the moment and frequently created by the one being praised. This might sound more brag than praise, but I like the positive vibe this genre expends. We have to believe in ourselves first to truly recognize the glory in others. Praising one's self is liberating. Try writing one. The genre reinforces my contention that we must begin with ourselves in order to reach out to others. In this world with millions gone before, now and hereafter, I am only me until I am no more. There is no other me, my thoughts, my experiences, my passions, while not always unique, make up who I am. Through my writing, I will linger here in this world, a little bit longer than my body. Sharing myself through writing plants me firmly on this earth and lets my voice be heard. |
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