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January 21, 2020 Praised Be

PROMPT January 21st ▼

How much of your own life or the lives of people you know do you put into your writing? Do you mine your past for inspiration, or do you create wholly new places and characters?

Judith, Praised Be

I am the daughter of grace and glory
                    mother of integrity and honor
I am the earth and sky
my aged body
                    remains straight and strong
my mind is ever captured
                    by the wonder of words
my joy unfettered and contagious
my gratitude humbled and lavish
I am a survivor amongst the giant trees
                    rooted yet with the wings of eagles
                              ~~Judi Van Gorder

I'm told, my name in Hebrew means "praised". I wrote this poem as an example of an African Praise Poem. I have done extensive research into poetic forms and genres and documented my findings at Poetry Magnum Opus  . The genre of Praise poetry immediately came to mind when asked, "how much of your own life do you put into your writing?".

This particular genre is specific to South African nations and is a popular indigenous oral tradition which in the past century, has transitioned to the literary world. In Zulu it is called izibongo, Lesotho, dithoko and in Setswana, maboko. The poetry celebrates national heroes, kings and often, the poet him or her self and is more laudatory than epic. It doesn't tell a story, it simply lavishes praise on the subject. These poems were originally composed in the spur of the moment and frequently created by the one being praised. This might sound more brag than praise, but I like the positive vibe this genre expends. We have to believe in ourselves first to truly recognize the glory in others. Praising one's self is liberating. Try writing one.

The genre reinforces my contention that we must begin with ourselves in order to reach out to others. In this world with millions gone before, now and hereafter, I am only me until I am no more. There is no other me, my thoughts, my experiences, my passions, while not always unique, make up who I am. Through my writing, I will linger here in this world, a little bit longer than my body. Sharing myself through writing plants me firmly on this earth and lets my voice be heard.