Woke Doesn't Sleep

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"Words are like bees – some create honey and others leave a sting." - Unknown
   
The piercing eyes of my eldest sister, who long since passed away, and prompt about "favorite words" from Poets and Storytellers United inspired my prose below.
     
(Minor edit to the above prose since its original posting.)

As far as reviled four-letter words go, woke has landed on top of the heap. Not exactly my favorite word but one that has been distorted, hijacked and maligned as the lazy catch-all for what some disdain in society. What could be wrong with being informed and aware of social injustice and inequality ... apparently, a lot! Humans, like most creatures, get anxious when feeling threatened. Attempting to refresh its image, I pondered the word's true intent amid recent walks with camera in hand.
   
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters. 


Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT

Comments

  1. Yogi♪♪♪May 2, 2024 at 11:23 AM

    I hear you. In Oklahoma, "Woke" is a cuss word and politicians throw around phrases like "woke mob", "woke indoctrination" blah, blah, blah. It's annoying.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Spare Parts and PicsMay 2, 2024 at 11:27 AM

    For some, change and enlightenment comes more easily. For others, it's difficult. And yet for others, nearly impossible. Your photos are beautiful. Love your dynamic skies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. TomMay 2, 2024 at 11:56 AM

    ...a blue sky is a treat, puffy white clouds are a fabulous addition!

    ReplyDelete
  4. magiceyeMay 2, 2024 at 7:21 PM

    Gorgeous captures!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rosemary Nissen-WadeMay 3, 2024 at 6:53 AM

    Hooray for your reclaiming of 'woke'! Your wonderful photos show why it's good to be physically awake and aware; your notes make an excellent case for being so mentally too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JimMay 3, 2024 at 1:52 PM

    The misuse of that word bothers me a lot. Same thing happened to the word, "Conservative". Conservation is entirely forgotten. Of all your nice pictures, I like the first best, pretty yellows.
    ..

    ReplyDelete
  7. carol l mckennaMay 3, 2024 at 2:59 PM

    Beautiful nature photos ~ Wow! And your words are my sentiment today also ~ couldn't have said it better ~ thank you ~ hugs,

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  8. RajaniMay 3, 2024 at 6:41 PM

    Agree, absolutely nothing wrong in being informed or even active about injustices. Though there are issues where the stronger narrative gets to define what "injustice" is...like on different sides of a war...

    ReplyDelete
  9. thomas leeMay 4, 2024 at 12:09 AM

    Stunning cloud here

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shiju SugunanMay 4, 2024 at 8:13 AM

    Interesting perspective on "woke." Those sky pics are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. eileeninmdMay 4, 2024 at 8:42 AM

    Hello,
    Lovely photos and beautiful views of the water and sky! There is nothing wrong with being informed and kind! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. CloudiaMay 4, 2024 at 9:03 AM

    Beautiful post in word and image. Glad we met! Aloha from Honolulu

    ReplyDelete
  13. BreathtakingMay 4, 2024 at 10:26 AM

    Hello :=)
    Such beautiful images, of the water and sky with magnificent cloud formations. I have to agree with Eileen, there is nothing wrong with being informed, and the BEE KIND board is what we should aim for, and if it's not broken, don't fix it.
    Enjoy your weekend
    Sonjia.

    ReplyDelete
  14. RommyMay 4, 2024 at 12:43 PM

    How a person uses the word woke tells me quite a bit about them!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mystic MeanderingMay 5, 2024 at 10:33 AM

    Stunning cloud pics!
    And yes, how rude that certain politicians have to degrade those who embrace diversity, are anti-racist, are accepting, tolerant and kind - and use "woke" with disdain and mockery. As if there's something wrong with being "woke"! Maybe in T's world... But it just shows the ignorance and darkness of the "unwoke" :) Your words speak to it well...

    ReplyDelete
  16. stardustMay 5, 2024 at 11:56 PM

    I’ve learned about the word “woke” which is rarely used in my country, therefore not misused. The problem in my country; while there must be many people who are aware of social problems, voices are almost unheard except for the sns where meaning and intention is mostly distorted. In the second image, I see troops of clouds marching in and in the last image, ocean waves in the sky.

    ReplyDelete
  17. David M. Gascoigne,May 6, 2024 at 3:46 AM

    I am not sure that I fully understand the use of the term “woke” except that it seems to represent everything that right wing fanatics and religious extremists hate. In that case I am very much in favour of those who are considered woke, and count myself among them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hena TayebMay 6, 2024 at 11:55 AM

    I agree with you. What's the harm in being open and inclusive.

    ReplyDelete
  19. GattinaMay 8, 2024 at 8:26 AM

    I looked in my German dictionary and "woke" is the past from wake ! Didn't know that it could mean something else. Languages change over the years ! Beautiful pictures of the sea ! I wished I could be there and enjoying the sunshine, because we are still sitting in the rain !

    ReplyDelete
  20. purplepeninportland.comMay 10, 2024 at 5:22 PM

    I read the article you mention here. Interesting point of view. I have never used this term, and I don't think I would be comfortable using it.
    Love your photos, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Susannah AndersonMay 18, 2024 at 5:20 AM

    Wise words. And I love what you've done with the clouds.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rajani RehanaMay 19, 2024 at 9:26 AM

    Beautiful blog

    ReplyDelete

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