POEM: Shock Therapy by Linette Rabsatt

Polka Dots inspired my first recorded poem for 2023. This poem is one of my earlier pieces, "Shock Therapy." Do share and give me your feedback in the comments section.

https://youtu.be/Tr7pM4exBg0

POEM: A Refugee Where I Pay Taxes

I am my ancestors' seed
I have DNA from a strong breed
I am a Black Diamond in the blood I bleed
I work hard to give my children all they need
yet I stand today
where millions chill and relax

as a refugee where I pay taxes
© Linette Rabsatt

As a poet and writer, I struggle with what I want to say (I can deliver what I need). Certain tenets dictate that I should remain quiet about things that concern me. However, I will never quiet my poetic voice.

This poem forms part of my 30 Second Inspiration shares that I post on Facebook. I wasn't trying to be creative or innovative with my words. It's all true. At another phase in life, I will have the opportunity to chronicle this story in plain words.

I work hard every day. I give it my best shot. I have felt like a martyr, refugee, and fool in 2022. However, I would not change anything I did. During those tough times, I would think of my grandmother/surrogate mother and the things she would say. She would speak about praying for people who did her bad things. She would use a lot of fables and local sayings to describe karma.

It's funny because I still think a green grasshopper means money is coming. I'm not superstitious, but if I see a black bee buzzing by, I look out for news from overseas. She was wise.

I continue to learn and grow from those wiser than I am. The tenets will dictate as they should. I will write and act as I should. Karma will evolve as it should. I'll keep my path positive to derive what I need for my family.

2022 Was Challenging and Yet Thrilling

I have had both ups and downs in 2022. I have cursed, cried, yelled, gotten fed up, and thrown tantrums. I got hit in the eye with a mango, and also damaged my foot. I have been bitten and stung by insects and people.

My social media pages were filled with harsh words, stinging memes, and direct criticism. My favorites were:

• "My ancestors rolling in their graves,"
• "A refugee where I pay taxes"
• "If you're going to be lionhearted, you can't hide, manipulate, dig holes for people, refuse to apologize, or use systems to hurt others. You are a coward!"

I feel like I was Sophia in "The Color Purple" - just fighting. I saw every deficiency in the systems around me. I complained and shared ideas and solutions. However, people have ignored me in most cases. I do not often ask for help, but in 2022, I asked and received no assistance.

I am undeterred. As Jougo sang in "Good Vibes," "they can't stop this shine." This song stayed on repeat this year.

Despite these challenges and situations, I have invested in what "grows my family and me." I even wrote a poem, "I Invest in What Grows Me." I look at all the ups and downs and hurtful situations and smile today. I am thankful for many things. I have put energy into my writing, garden, and other pursuits. Also, I have met some goals and influenced positive change. If we are not making a difference, then we serve no purpose. The difference you make does not have to be great. Start in small increments and help someone.

I decided a few weeks ago to also 'push for the positive' in all I do. I understand 'turning the other cheek.' For me, it is no longer about who is right or wrong; it is about doing the right thing. My actions should display that I am rational, trustworthy, hardworking, and decent.

In 2022, I wrote more and shared more poetry with a wider audience. I was published in Visual Verse and participated in several poetry competitions. Also, I have attended online poetry readings hosted by poets in the USA and UK.

I will continue to fight the battles that I need to. I struggle with my inconsistencies, bad habits, and temper. I am a "work in progress" and will continue working on myself daily. I do not make New Year's resolutions; instead, I adjust as I go along.

In parting, I encourage you to set goals and be ready to adjust them as needed. Life is not preset by dates and timelines. Remember, "you gotta know when to hold em, when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run...."

I wish you all the best for 2023!

POEM: Filled with Flaws

while dogs guffawed

and split their jaws

the cats cut their paws

because their catatonic laws

were filled with flaws

because no one saw

what was about to descend

the genus didn't know how to append

what a pen

couldn't see

couldn't be

wouldn't decree

and this oddball spree

was over before it started

because the cats

catapulted

to what suited

their strange needs

with their conscience freed

this was meant to be

it's one of those inevitabilities 

like the toes that bled

blue and yellow - not red

as some words

that may seem dry or dread

and lack substance 

like dried old bread

they serve better 

when left unsaid

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Brave?

some of us are so brave
maybe like more insane
because naivety runs in our veins
we don't want an ''F" in courage
or to fall in the scrimmage
so we push hard
and break ourselves
along the way
because the likes
seem to outweigh the loves
but my gloves
are stretched out
from outstretching
and outreach
my heart has become bleached
for every and each
that I give up my seat
without wallowing in defeat
or digging holes in deceit
but a hero's a zero
a refugee
where you pay taxes
with all the laxness

no one reciprocates

all that has been given or done
they don't care
...
the life of a martyr

© Linette Rabsatt

Poem: It's Me

It's me

I gladly say and admit

that I did it

I didn't win

I took

I didn't look

to see if you noticed

I was blatant

coherent

and content

with taking

there was no mistake

I didn't contemplate

what you would think

because I was at my brink

I knew the consequences

yet I jumped all the fences

it was intense

and I meant every word

every movement

I sounded all vowels

and all consonants

and all was resonant

because I didn't hide

I didn't stay quiet

I did it

out in the open

for all to see and hear

and I admit it

so cast your blame

call me lame

but you started the game

and I answered by doing it

I took a stand

I raised my voice

I took action

Yes, I did it with conscience

I made the tough decision

to blow the whistle

POEM: Proud and Out Loud

Proud and out loud

That means no shrouds

And only pink clouds

I have no doubt

That If you turn me over

After you inspect my spout

My mouth is not broken

It’s a token

To a fair that is never unclear

So be aware that

I don’t haunt or hint

Because I am proud

I don’t stop and squint

Because I live out loud

There’s no mute button

There’s no refute notion

It’s a love me as I am kind of vibe

And while I may be my own tribe

You’ll know that I’m here

You’ll know that I care

I’m loud

I’m proud

And I don’t hold back my sound

© Linette Rabsatt