This Poem was Submitted By: Erzahl Leo M. Espino On Date: 2005-01-17 19:52:51 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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verse 36 (Ku Klux Klan) - revisited

Known to keep kinship Killer of kaleidoscope Knights with kerosene

Copyright © January 2005 Erzahl Leo M. Espino


This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2005-02-03 18:15:21
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.67568
Erzahl, You're such a 'young un' [your picture] to be doing so well with your haiku's. How long in this endeavor? I like your 7k's used to portray 'the klu klux klan'; Good thinking. Does killer of kaleidoscope mean different skin colors? I truly believe a normal person has many small prejudices. male/female rich/poor beauty/not brains/brain-less the haves/the have nots.....I think everything should be in balance. Calm, and at peace, accepting of our eachh wonderful differences.. but going to the extent white against black,europeans against native americans, germans against jews, and the inhumanity just rolls on into today. you'd think the clan would be out of business as the nazi's too, but I hear they're still here. You wrote a very thought provoking piece. Dellena


This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2005-01-25 22:04:49
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.76923
I always thought it was spelled: Klu Klux Clan...look it up. Anyway, good one. The kerosene lit the crosses they burned. They kept kinship all right...a very secretive organization. Thank goodness we've seen the last of them (I hope). The kaleidoscope probably refers to the black vs. white issue. Thanks. Once again you're the master.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne Duval Morgan On Date: 2005-01-22 19:25:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
I see the KKK in the strong, forceful language of intent, The K's are sharp and they more then demonstrate the KKK, scary that exist, when one wins more with love then hate, one wonders the conditioning of youngsters to accepting hate over love, and intimidation over working together. Yes stark, forceful and three lines that spell out the title with the strong K usage. makes one that was raised in love and tolorance, to accept the differences in people, how do some still believe the uglyness of KKK intentions. Great usage E. you more then put across your intent, it comes through loud and clear. Best aways.....Love, Jo
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2005-01-21 02:43:25
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.57143
This reminds me of my trip to Florida and the many states we passed along the way.....I do not recall wich state we were passing through when I spotted three crosses on the front lawn of someone's home......I looked at my husband and asked him to slow down so I could take a picture and I have to say the thoughts and images frightened me.........one might read about this in history but to see it for real and to think it happens in this day.....your haiku is true to form my friend and does certainly bring forth many images , thoughts, emotions......thank you for sharing, be safem, God Bless....Claire Its the knights with the kerosene that frighten me.......
This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2005-01-19 13:12:57
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.84615
Erzahl--I certainly do remember your first posting of this "dark truism" piece. And, my sentiments have not changed: this American group's infamous notoriety for terriorising Blacks is well documented in the annals of history. Your use of "K" allits not only present an array of harsh consonance (and rightly so) but, inference the significant horrors visited on a selected faction of USA citizentry. This post/ theme is in direct opposition to Dr. King's ideology but, a gutwrenching reality. Thanks for the timely reminder, it serves to enhance the deeds of the honorable MLK. TLW
This Poem was Critiqued By: Wanda S. Thibodeaux On Date: 2005-01-18 22:02:12
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Erzahl, And how are you? I like the picture you've posted on the new forum. I can't see that you've changed this. It's still as strong as before but if I were writing this, I would try to change the second line. I think you should make reference to the prejudice that these people taught and still teach in some areas. The Klan was and is hostile toward other races. Their prejudice is shameful, rigid with hatred. I like the fact that you have posted this, bringing it into focus again. I suppose I just think kaleidoscope brings a more pleasurable image to my mind, altho I understand the reason you have chosen the word, and it does serve the poem well. These are just my thoughts, Erzahl, and sometimes they are not work a flip. You, my friend, are a grand writer. I suspect you are a very straightforward and delightful young man also. I wish you the very best of luck. Take good care. Wanda
This Poem was Critiqued By: Monica ONeill On Date: 2005-01-18 18:57:51
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
"Killer of kaleidoscope" How apt...the vanquishers of all colors....the quashers of diversity. The allitteration emphasizes the lack of diversity, whether intended or otherwise. Shall we dismiss all words that do not begin with K? Was that intentionally done or a happy accident? Either way, another gem. A friend of mine is very fond of these three liners, and he would love this one. I shall send it to him. Take care, Moni
This Poem was Critiqued By: Latorial D. Faison On Date: 2005-01-18 14:48:23
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Erzahl, you must have watched what I watched on TV last night, the section on David Duke. This haiku is awesome, and will certainly be on my winner's list this time around. The KKK is not dead, but very much alive in America today. They just don't where the robes and hoods as much. I love that you keep the k sounds coming in every world and every line. That's a very captivating effect, and it helps to keep the idea of the poem in mind as you read it. The words that you have used here are so descriptive and telling. You offer three statements of truth here, three major issues come out in such a small poem. The Klan has been one of the most evil and horrific organizations in America. Thanks for reminding us what it is they stand for. This keeps my eyes open and helps me to remember on this Kind Holiday what the fight for freedom and justice was all about. Thanks. Latorial
This Poem was Critiqued By: Kelly Denise LaBeff On Date: 2005-01-18 00:34:18
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.75000
KKK, you did it in a Haiku, amazing how 17 little bitty syllables can express so much, isn't it? Interesting form, using alliteration of K's to keep the meter and form and flare it with style. It's a hurtful subject, but writing about it exposes it. Ironic how these Knights who should be brave brave enough to show their faces in broad daylight din't do so, but did it at NIGHT...word play, good bringing that to light..yes, they were players-a united Kinship, which you stated, they were the keepers of and killers with fire and you were able to bring out that aspect with another K word, Kerosene...good job all in all....haiku is one of my favorite. Kelly
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