Poetry Versus Propaganda: When a Poem Devolves Into Rhetoric
The difference between poetry and rhetoric
is being ready to kill
yourself
instead of your children.
—Audre Lorde, “Power”
Back
Poet • Essayist • Educator • Consultant
Take refuge on this path
the page gives you to roam.
Hunker down against
the shadow cast by prayer
and build yourself a line
that won’t efface itself.
Language is not wine.
You cannot pour it freely.
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Delivered on March 10, 2025 as part of Nassau Community College's Sexual Harassment Awareness Week
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