I have this book from 1804
it’s the Times newspaper
with strange articles that IÂ adore.
~
I have bound up tight
newspapers of the first transatlantic Zeppelin flight.
of the first air raid in the us fight.
~
I have photos of immigrants
coming off ships
Her Majesty’s army
boys with guns on their hip
~
The first olmypics
Hitler before power
Harry Truman in his finest hour.
~
I have the Books of Knowledge
from 1942
poetry, science, Art, leaders
nature, plus things to make and do.
~
Reading the facts from between the two
the facts changed frame.
and I thought,”This can’t be true!”
History is supposed to stay the same!
~
When I was a girl
I joined the cities first Girl Choir
I was there at the first,
before they reached Higher.
~
now international
they sang before the pope
Records from the 1st year
are somehow lost without a hope.
Dairyshow in my county
is a huge affair now.
Guess who was the first
to a big hoopla?
went to state and won 2nd overall?
Last month I requested
something that showed what I did
you know, so I could show my children
I was something as a kid.
~
They responded back
“Were sorry but you were not the 1st.
We asked around, because records we lack.
It was some guy named Herst.
~
I knew what they told me did not track.
How did history change so much in 20 years?
trying to prove things has put me to tears.
I don’t know how to get my own history back.
how messed up is that?
~
History I feel
isn’t the truth
~
Oh certain facts are, I am sure
But its like those tales where the tale is true
but the facts have been changed maam,
The rest is just Poo.
~
I do have some records
that have recorded my past fate
a scholarship to DC
only person to be adopted twice in my state
~
A letter from the Opera saying I got in
a writing award from Levar Burton
saying, You Win!
Artwork I did that hung in a museum gallery
most of those things fill me with glee.
~
But if I didn’t have those things anymore
if I couldn’t prove it
would History put someone else’s name
Where mine now sits?
~
I am not saying History is totally wrong
but I think it needs to learn a new tune
to the song.
~
~
~
I have a New York Times published on my birthdate (60 years ago!), and a Life magazine from the same week. Fun to look back at what was, and wonder. . .what did they get wrong according to today’s knowledge – what was right? Interesting poem, and thought-provoking! Thanks, Luna!
History is always written in favour of its writer and if the person who is being written about isn’t the writer then it’s not going to be exactly thier own truth unless of course, they dictate the story.
Nice observations but, it is awful to think because you can’t prove it, some of your history is lost and others can lay claim to it.
You know, I have to tell you, I really enjoy this blog and the insight from everyone who participates. I find it to be refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, I’ve spent most of my time here just lurking and reading, but today for some reason I just felt compelled to say this.
World history is made by the victor. Personal histroy lives within you. You’re kids will one day know the truth of you and you will be proud.
What a great poem, Luna. You told so much in so few lines. Great!