Category: poetry

Celebrations, poetry

Celebrating Black History-Paul Laurence Dunbar

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

A timely celebration on February 23 in Paul Laurence Dunbar’s home state. Read about the planned performance of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s works set to music.

Read poems by this poet.

Slow through the Dark

Slow moves the pageant of a climbing race;
   Their footsteps drag far, far below the height,
   And, unprevailing by their utmost might,
Seem faltering downward from each hard won place.
No strange, swift-sprung exception we; we trace
   A devious way thro’ dim, uncertain light,—
   Our hope, through the long vistaed years, a sight
Of that our Captain’s soul sees face to face.

   Who, faithless, faltering that the road is steep,
Now raiseth up his drear insistent cry?
   Who stoppeth here to spend a while in sleep
Or curseth that the storm obscures the sky?
   Heed not the darkness round you, dull and deep;
The clouds grow thickest when the summit’s nigh.

This poem is in the public domain. Published in Poem-a-Day on February 26, 2023, by the Academy of American Poets.

Celebrations, poetry, writing

Celebrating Black History Month – Juntu Ahjee

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

I first met Juntu Ahjee when I interviewed him after reading Ebonology.

Since that time he has published several books which you can check out HERE

A couple of years ago, Juntu contributed to The Talk, offering a resonating message through his words. He has such a prolific way with words, truly causing pause for thought.

Track Juntu Ahjee on Instagram. He has news to share about an upcoming release.

I am looking forward to what comes next because what’s come thus far is phenomenal. Congratulations to Juntu for all of that and this and everything to come!