Silence Is Not Always Golden: A Poetic Revolution
by Joy Elan

Silence Is Not Always Golden: A Poetic Revolution is a collection of poetry that is defying the norm. The title was inspired by the Black Panther Party’s Huey Newton’s quote, "You can jail a Revolutionary, but you can’t jail the Revolution." Instead of writing what people want to hear, I wrote what people need to hear. The truth! Sometimes the truth can be beautiful and sometimes it can be ugly. My words and my voice are my weapons and I have to speak up on my beliefs. Other people may not feel as powerful to speak up so I speak up for them. I could not sit there and not say anything. I was taught that you cannot do what everyone else wants; you have to do what YOU want. To be YOU is as original as there can be and people will try to put you down because you are different. I say try because only YOU can let them. There is more to life than making a living and surviving. You must fulfill your purpose by pursuing your dreams because if you do not, life will pass you by. My words are my way of fulfilling my purpose because I am making my dream a reality and I am showing you that you can do the same.