Poetry Corner - Democrats Abroad

Poetry Corner

VMF Poem of the Month: “A Stench by Any Other Name” by Malaika Kusumi

This thoughtful poem by Malaika Kusumi expresses deep feelings through an artful portrayal of actual human beings in the uniform of our nation’s armed forces, and shows that they should......

VMF Poem of the Month: “When Giants Fell” by Malaika Kusumi

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......

VMF Poem of the Month: “Where Am I From?” by Abby H.

This month’s extraordinary poem, “Where Am I From?”, comes from Abby, a current high school senior and a military dependent of a U.S. Air Force parent. Abby has also lived......

VMF Poem of the Month: “A Life of Moving” by Natalie S.

Natalie S., the daughter of a U.S. Air Force service member, is a high school freshman and the author of the poem “A Life of Moving.” Our Caucus is extremely......

VMF Poem of the Month: “Untitled” by Piper Genkin

Piper Genkin, a youth voter and the author of the poem below, which Democrats Abroad’s Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus is pleased to highlight, currently resides in Europe as......

VMF Poem of the Month: “A Salute” by Elisabeth H.

This month, we are pleased to highlight a terrific poem by a teenager named Elisabeth, a high school senior and a self-described “U.S. Army brat.” Her poem, “A Salute,” was......

February 02, 2026

VMF Poem of the Month: “Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Born in 1809 in Massachusetts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. was a physician, poet, and military family member. The poem was a response to the U.S. Navy’s plans to decommission the......

January 03, 2026

VMF Poem of the Month: “Invisible Veteran” by Guest Poet Lisa Carrington Firmin and Guest Artist Christina Helferich-Polosky

The poem below is titled “Invisible Veteran” and was authored by Col. Lisa Carrington Firmin (USAF, Ret.). The accompanying artwork was completed by Maj. Christina Helferich-Polosky (U.S. Army, Ret.). Both......

November 02, 2025

VMF Poem of the Month: “Will V-Day Be Me-Day Too” by Langston Hughes

Will V-Day Be Me-Day Too? Over There, World War II. Dear Fellow Americans,I write this letterHoping times will be betterWhen this warIs through.I'm a Tan-skinned YankDriving a tank.I ask,......

October 02, 2025

VMF Poem of the Month: “Wars” by Carl Sandburg

Wars In the old wars drum of hoofs and the beat of shod feet. In the new wars hum of motors and the tread of rubber tires. In the wars......