Kathleen Herrmann Vallejo Co-Poet Laureate
It’s time to let it show Here it comes, I’m gonna say it Say it LOUD
Kathleen Herrmann is proud to be serving as the Co-Poet Laureate of the City of Vallejo along with author, photographer and film maker Jacalyn Eyvonne. Kathleen writes poems about small moments with big feelings. A retired elementary educator, she taught writer’s workshop to children, who in turn, reawakened her inner child with their powers of observation and honesty. She has published nonfiction articles as well, on topics ranging from parenting skills to home security. She is currently interviewing refugees, compiling their stories for her new book, I Was There, Now I’m Here. Music is her twin passion. She currently sings in a local trio and plays piano, guitar and ukulele.
What about you? I can do what you need me to So you can say it, too Say it LOUD
Say It LOUD
“Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When I was very young, I was taught what to say What not to say and how to say it My real words locked up inside Knocking around in an empty chamber inside
Val l ej o W ee kl y
I couldn’t seem to shake them, so I carried them around When they slipped out, I lost ground So I kept it quiet Volume down
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Today I look around and see people in the streets Raising one voice in solidarity Celebrating unity with funk, hip hop, jazz Turning our lost country around Turning hate upside down No more pretending No more laying low I know my truth
Together, our voices ring clear and strong Together, no one can put us down Everybody now Say it, say it LOUD If you’re gonna say it, say it LOUD Amen, brothers and sisters