A Poem For Myself

I was born in Mississippi;
I walked barefooted thru the mud.
Born black in Mississippi,
Walked barefooted thru the mud.
But, when I reached the age of twelve
I left that place for good.
My daddy chopped cotton
And he drank his liquor straight.
Said my daddy chopped cotton
And he drank his liquor straight.
When I left that Sunday morning
He was leaning on the barnyard gate.
Left my mama standing
With the sun shining in her eyes.
Left her standing in the yard
With the sun shining in her eyes.
And I headed North
As straight as the Wild Goose Flies,
I been to Detroit & Chicago
Been to New York city too.
I been to Detroit & Chicago
Been to New York city too.
Said I done strolled all those funky avenues
I’m still the same old black boy with the same old blues.
Going back to Mississippi
This time to stay for good
Going back to Mississippi
This time to stay for good-
Gonna be free in Mississippi
Or dead in the Mississippi mud. 


14 thoughts on “A Poem For Myself

  1. kimberlyharding – Colorado – College professor- Colorado Mountain College PhD - Indiana University School of Medicine Master's degree- Atlantic University Interests: Art, Women, Spirituality
    kimberlyharding says:

    this was wonderful.

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      Thank you Kim – Wish you a wonderful Week!

  2. Thought-provoking and straight from the heart. You may want to expand this and write a memoir. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      Thank you for your wonderful comments. You have a joyful and color blog which brings joy.

  3. sporterhall – Upstate New York – I am a woman of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a good person. I love the artistry of the "written word" and enjoy expressing myself through my favorite form of writing, poetry. Determination drives me while passion infuses me. All opinions are welcome on this blog, keeping in mind, the need to respect everyone, no matter how much opinions may differ. The more diverse, the better, as it makes for some very interesting conversation. Learning about what moves others, both moves gives me 'life'.
    sporterhall says:

    Very poignant piece. I am moved and thank you. 🙂

  4. sporterhall – Upstate New York – I am a woman of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a good person. I love the artistry of the "written word" and enjoy expressing myself through my favorite form of writing, poetry. Determination drives me while passion infuses me. All opinions are welcome on this blog, keeping in mind, the need to respect everyone, no matter how much opinions may differ. The more diverse, the better, as it makes for some very interesting conversation. Learning about what moves others, both moves gives me 'life'.
    sporterhall says:

    Reblogged this on Poetry in Motion and commented:
    I just had to share this very poignant and thought-stirring piece by the very talented Mihran Kalaydjian. Thank you Mihran!

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      I am touched by your elegancy!

      1. sporterhall – Upstate New York – I am a woman of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a good person. I love the artistry of the "written word" and enjoy expressing myself through my favorite form of writing, poetry. Determination drives me while passion infuses me. All opinions are welcome on this blog, keeping in mind, the need to respect everyone, no matter how much opinions may differ. The more diverse, the better, as it makes for some very interesting conversation. Learning about what moves others, both moves gives me 'life'.
        sporterhall says:

        Thank you! I am humbled by your complimentary words and positive feedback!

  5. This one is really touching. Many people come back to their roots, remember who they are and where they came from. Nothing wrong with that. Just a lot of lessons learned in between. Have a great day my girl!!😀

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      I very much appreciate your kind comments and support.

    2. sporterhall – Upstate New York – I am a woman of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a good person. I love the artistry of the "written word" and enjoy expressing myself through my favorite form of writing, poetry. Determination drives me while passion infuses me. All opinions are welcome on this blog, keeping in mind, the need to respect everyone, no matter how much opinions may differ. The more diverse, the better, as it makes for some very interesting conversation. Learning about what moves others, both moves gives me 'life'.
      sporterhall says:

      Hello Levi. Yes, this is a nice one but I cannot take credit. Mihran Kalaydjian is responsible for this wonderful piece. I liked it so much that I reblogged it on my blog. I hope all is going well with you Levi and that you have a very blessed and safe weekend! 🙂

      1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
        mihrank says:

        Dear Sylvia- Please accept my sincerest apologies for not responding back to you earlier. I would like to share my gratitude and sincerest gratefulness for your warm and unique compliments. May God Bless you!

      2. sporterhall – Upstate New York – I am a woman of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a good person. I love the artistry of the "written word" and enjoy expressing myself through my favorite form of writing, poetry. Determination drives me while passion infuses me. All opinions are welcome on this blog, keeping in mind, the need to respect everyone, no matter how much opinions may differ. The more diverse, the better, as it makes for some very interesting conversation. Learning about what moves others, both moves gives me 'life'.
        sporterhall says:

        Thank you Mihrank. Again, no apologies necessary. We are all beautifully human in our perfect imperfections. You are very welcome and may God continue to bless you as well.

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