Their words of taunting and mockery
slap across the mask I wear. Day in and out, pretending their jokes
don't hurt, yet they are unaware.
Jesus Freak!
Bible Thumper!
Christian.
Rewind to 2014, not so long ago. A time for change,
freedom for everyone! Respect for everyone! Everyone gets treated
with kindness and love, minus the select few.
2014, where a 17 year old girl cannot
walk down the street with a cross on her shirt and one around her
neck, without being called a racist, homophobic – pardon my
Christian mouth – asshole. Where everyday I sit through a
high school class, ignoring the remarks made as a young Christian teen
tries to stick up for their faith, because Matthew 10:33 says if we
disown him, he will disown us. Yet, this is far past the scriptures
and the holy book. It takes one simple look. To see the day to day
trivia-show-like conversations, of what I think about the LGBTQ
community.
All that does is build up my frustration, because,
God
made everyone for a reason, and I should treat others how I want to
be treated.
Yet, no one takes that as my answer.
I have tried not to act Holier Than
Thou but, for a moment I want to forget my Christian brothers and
sisters from then and now.
The religious Wars.
The residential
schools.
Even the knocking at your house door, while you sit for
dinner with family.
I know we cannot forget history, but bear with
me.
Sitting in my second semester of my
Grade 12 year, I have been kicked out of three classes for defending
my faith. Three separate classes where I have been told to sit down,
shut up or leave, because I don't have the same opinion. What can I
say, I'm sorry for being Christian?
When I tell someone I volunteer twice a
week at church teaching the children. Then they turn around and ask
why I'm corrupting their minds so young. I argue back when they makes
fun of my religion, and I'm still the villain.
I talk with some of my closest friends
about what we are to do this summer, I get reminded no one cares
about my Jesus Camp. Then they hope an pray to my own God, that when
I'm rewriting the Bible I don't get writer's cramp.
Why have we let the history of any
religion stop us from being friends with one another. I'm not just
talking about Christianity anymore but Islamic, Buddists, Atheists
and others. All the stereotypes put us at a halt for what is really
in store. For the things we have in common with another, but are too
focused on joking about the Christian Fellowship Meeting that is held
on Tuesdays, or the Muslim girl wearing her hijab. We need to stop
for a moment and see the potential of creating a conflict free
nation, and stop fighting over the worlds creation.
I want a world where we can start a
friendship with:
“Hi my name is Brandy Fulton. I am a
Christian but I will not hate you if you break a commandment because
I am and far from perfect, and you are not perfect.”
And not having to worry about what to
expect.
Wow. This poem really made me think. It had all the qualities that a slam poem should have; it captivated me, changed my view on something, and still managed to be very poetic. Slam indeed.
ReplyDeleteBrandy, you did a really good job of delivering your slam poem to the class. You had my full attention through the whole piece, and it was clear to me how passionate you are about this topic. Good job!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job presenting this piece. It was so powerful and moving. You had a different point-of-view and a situation and it was very nice to see. It was great!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job presenting this piece. It was so powerful and moving. You had a different point-of-view and a situation and it was very nice to see. It was great!
ReplyDeleteLike multiple people have all said your passion stood strong here. You've always been good at public speaking as well and that showed through too when you read this out loud. Next time I would say look at punctuation but over all awesome job!
ReplyDeleteVery well-presented and passionate, as the others said. You showed the good of a situation that lots call 'controversial' and I really appreciated the point of view. Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat slam! The topic was well chosen because it is not the usual controversial that we talk about. It makes you think about the actions and reactions we witness everyday and allows us to look at them a little differently. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly powerful. I'm pretty disappointing I wasn't there to listen to you recite this, but this is definitely one of my personal favorites from this set of comps. The views on belief and criticism that are expressed in this piece are poignant in a time when so much weight is put upon labels and pre-existing reputations for groups. This style of free verse isn't easy and your manipulation of the language here is impressive to say the least. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThis opinion piece is very moving. The way you wrote it and presented it in class gave the reader/audience a very personal view of your feelings and emotions. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you for picking this topic! It was very inspirational and addressed certain issues our society fails (or lacks ability to) recognize. It was emotional and overall a great piece to read.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you for picking this topic! It was very inspirational and addressed certain issues our society fails (or lacks ability to) recognize. It was emotional and overall a great piece to read.
ReplyDeleteThe rhythm of this poem grabbed onto me and wouldn't let go. I haven't heard many slam poems in my lifetime but I think I'm in love. Your passion and emotion rang through to me as the message was both powerful and changed my perspective for the long run. It was truly obvious how much this meant to you, creating a great connection with the audience.
ReplyDeleteLoved your passion in this piece. The flow of the poem was fantastic. Can't wait to see what you do in the future. Keep on being passionate!!
ReplyDelete-Andrew H