Poet Malaika Kusumi often reflects on U.S. politics and expresses her feelings through her writings. In the work below, the reader may interpret this piece as referring to longtime politicians who will not return to power under the current administration; another reader may interpret it differently entirely. The beauty of the author’s poetry is that it often leaves different readers with different experiences after absorbing “When Giants Fell.” Have a read of her work in this week’s VMF Poetry Corner, and decide if you agree with the meaning of it, or if you’d like to offer a different feedback perspective.
Malaika is a family member of several veterans and an active member of the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus.
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Introduction from the author:
“Before headlines, before politics, before titles were removed from office doors, there were decades. Forty years. Forty-one years. Lifetimes measured in service, sacrifice, and duty. Some became the first. Some broke barriers never crossed before.
And then came a day when giants were forced to step down—or forced to vacate positions that had become more than careers. They had become identities, missions, and callings.
This poem is a calling not to look away. It is a poem about time, service, and disservice. It is about people who literally put their lives on the line; whose actions spoke louder than words, and for whom the silence that followed their dismissal was deafening.”
-Malaika Kusumi
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U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus has over 1,400 members in dozens of countries and proudly consists of veterans, military family members, Department of Defense civilians, national security professionals, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes.
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