Reflections: A Collection of Poems
by
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Cruel And Unjust
The 1950’s were very hard for American Blacks
They suffered many cruel and unjust acts.
Students trying to integrate schools
Wore many labels, including fools.
They were spit on and beaten by whites,
Because they were trying to claim their lawful rights.
Rights that were made possible by Brown vs. the Board of Education.
Many white Americans vehemently opposed integration,
They refused to accept Black children in their school.
They said white supremacy ruled,
And they refused to give up privileges.
They spread many lies about white supremacy,
To deny Black Americans justice and equality.
Those that resisted integration were short sighted indeed,
They didn’t understand how segregation deprives all in society,
They failed to understand that we all learn from each other.
If it goes unchallenged and whites are allowed to deny Blacks their rights,
Who’s to say some group won’t do the same to whites.
Under our Constitution, there is no superior dominant group,
We are all equal, Black, White, and Yellow too.
When You Live Life Well
When you live life well
Your memories will live in the hearts
Of loved ones, long after you depart.
They will think of you day and night
Even though you are not in sight.
When you live life well
Your memories will linger like a lovely story
That will be recalled long after you’re in glory.
Dear ones will recall the good times and bad times
As well as the in between times.
When you live life well
After your demise
Others will find comfort and rejoice.
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About the Book
Reflections: A Collection Of Poems is about past events and situations that have had a profound effect on the author. Some of these events and situations occurred a long time ago, and some happened recently. Some the author heard about, some she read about, and some she experienced. All of the poems were written for African Americans to inspire them to be motivated to live life well.
While the poems are intended for African Americans, some are directed to those outside of the African American community to show the effects of racism. Many of the poems are about the blessings we have received. Most provide a glimpse of the past to recall a time when morals, religion and spirituality were the center of most folk lives. They are about a time when neighbors knew each other and did what they could to strengthen each other. They let the reader know that the past is the past, and each day brings a new beginning.
About the Author
Evelyn L. Meningall is the author of a previous book, A Way Of Life: An Anthology Of Poems. Her poems have been published in The Educational Perspectives of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., as well as several anthologies including The Fires of Sunset, Treasury of Great Poems, Poetry’s Elite: The Best Poets of 2000, The Great Beyond, An Anthology of Poems to name a few. Evelyn has received many accolades including selected for Who’s Who in America 57th and 58th edition, Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005, and Who’s Who in Poetry.
Evelyn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Library Science from
Evelyn is a retired Educator, and currently resides in