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Poetry lovers, It's easy to take for granted the many ways poetry infiltrates culture, but song lyrics are one of the more obvious ones. So, today SHINE casts the spotlight on my big sister, talented musician and songwriter, Stephanie Phillips! Stephanie's brand new song "I Am America" is now available on your streaming platforms. She also shares a poem entitled, "Strength." Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing your beautiful words with SHINE international poetry series! I Am AmericaI'm living in fear of my mom being taken And now I'm forbidden to go off to school Cause we are the ones who our country's forsaken Even though we've always played by the rules I'm living in chaos that always surrounds me And my little sister who can't understand I tell her she's safe if she just stays around me But all I can do is hold tight to her hand What will we do now? Where will we go? This is the only home that I know Why do they hate us? When will they see? I am America, and she is in me I am America, and she is in me I live with the fear that my family could break up And I would be forced to be man of the house I keep hoping all of the threats are just made up But Mama has warned me that she has no doubt So every day worry's my constant companion And I silently cry in my pillow at night My sister is frightened that she'll be abandoned But I just don't know how to make it all right What will we do now? Where will we go? This is the only home that I know Why do they hate us? When will they see? I am America, and she is in me I am America, and she is in me Lock all the doors, just stay inside And pray that this war of hatred subsides Look in my eyes as you throw the first stone And know my demise is also your own We live in the shadows with others just like us And hold on to faith that God will provide But we bear the blame from the ever self-righteous And we are the ones with freedom denied StrengthIt is not conferred on convoys of tanks filled with boot-clad militia men nor on threats of nuclear attack by authoritarian tyrants. Rather, it is seen in the frightened faces of mothers who put their bodies between those of their babies and the incoming shrapnel from enemy fire. It is displayed in the throngs of youth, willing to leave the comfort of their own freedom to protect the freedom of others. It is demonstrated in the hearts of countrymen who risk their lives for the sake of democracy, knowing wives and children may forever be lost to them. Strength is not a mantle to be thrown on like a crown and removed when the weight of it becomes unbearable. It wells up from the unseen depths of faith that can only be understood by those who don’t speak any other language than love.  Stephanie Phillips has been singing, playing guitar, and writing music from an early age. She has performed all over the United States, including many clubs in New York City such as the SpeakEasy and the Village Gate. A highlight of her career was opening for EmmyLou Harris in the 1990's. Stephanie describes her music as "progressive folk," taking her inspiration from giants such as Billy Joel, James Taylor, and Dan Fogelberg. Her music takes the listener on a sonic journey of all the emotional aspects of life - love, loss, hope, and despair. Stephanie is also not afraid to tackle social justice issues that arise in the nation and the world. Her latest CD, entitled “Certainly Love,” was released in August 2024. Stephanie's music can be found on digital platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, as well as on her website: www.songwriterstephaniephillips.com.
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SHINE - International Poetry Series
Click here for submissions and more
From the international poetry community, we have a "luxury of stars," as Sylvia Plath might say, and it is SHINE's honor to provide a home for their words with the online Spotlight series as well as SHINE Quarterly. Click on the logo above to learn more. And...keep writing, keep shining!
In poetry, Samantha Terrell, EIC SYLVIA PLATH
Stars Over the Dordogne Stars are dropping thick as stones into the twiggy
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