Paper White

As the mirror taunts me

With kinked brown locks

And weary hazel eyes

That forever scrutinize,

Pale skin glares back,

Blinding in the morning rays.

“Paper White”

I used to call it,

But that’s an exaggeration.

More like “Peaches n’ Cream”

Though the fruit is marred

With blemishes and freckles…

I’ll just claim it’s organic.

 

But in that ghostly appearance

Rests a history…

A history just begging to be told,

Of those whose traits I,

And my children.

And my children’s children

Will showcase to the end of our line.

 

Did those founders crawl from the bottom

On their hands and knees

Up that long, steep staircase,

Littered with the shattered glass shards

Of strife wrought revolution,

Their blood mixing with the browning stains

Of those that preceded them?

 

Or did they take the smooth path,

Walking barefoot in their privilege

Boldly, upon the backs of those born

With a darker complexion

Or ostracized  beliefs,

Refusing to look down at the sound

Of pained screams

And broken cries for compassion?

 

How much pride can be shown

In that empathetic gaze

When the culture that we sail

Is built upon an ocean of tears

Of those we oppressed

In our greedy ambition?

 

I gaze back

At that looking-glass face,

All snowy with luck

The occasional patch of ground showing

And all I can think

Is that there is no sense

In all this odious conflict

When we all bleed the same

Shade of crimson.

Author's Note

It feels like it has been forever since I have written poetry, but this just came to me the other night. Hope you guys like it.

Reviews

[PoeticChico]

"How much pride can be shown
In that empathetic gaze
When the culture that we sail
Is built upon an ocean of tears
Of those we oppressed
In our greedy ambition?"

This is more than a poem in my opinion. This is more like a plea for peace, because apparently our human race does not learn from the past. I was so captivated by this poem, from the first word to very last one. You are a great writer my friend. I could feel the intensity and agony you were trying to convey on this well written, masterful piece of Art! Great Work!
100/100

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you so much. This poem just spilled out of me one day, and I honestly wish is wasn't in such a deep writer's block right now, because it is such an outlet. I am so glad that you enjoyed and related to it.

[PoeticChico]

Well, hopefully you give us something equally amazing soon!

[Arrinae]

Well written and the feelings behind the words are quite strong. The road of good intentions are paved in blood, that phrase came to the forefront of my mind as I read it. You did a wonderful job!

[loverofpoetry7]

Nicely done and nice imagery. I haven't written anything since November, just haven't felt it. Hopefully it will come back soon. This was great.

[Saddam]

Breath taking piece,
I love the way plated it.
Beautiful piece.

[RAOrourke]

Walking barefoot in their privilege
Boldly, upon the backs of those born...really loved the message and beautiful way with which you wrote this piece. Your words come to life on the page as your readers flow through your wonderful pacing!! Great job! Really captured me!

[Angad Waraich]

Ashira this is a really really good piece. The flow is brilliant and to think it is a fairly long piece.

The first stanza was brilliant.
Well done, do write more.

Thank you.
Angad

[uNmAsKeD-dEluSiOns]

Sometimes when I wait a while to write for a long time some of my best writing comes out and I'm not sure why. It seems like this happened to you- this was so great and I think this could be easily published, it's holds so much depth. The format is perfect and I wouldn't change any of the words. Really makes the reader think and consider

[Latifa]

very deep piece, I love how it flows and narration is very much poignant and clear.

[Rita L. Sev]

Very thoughtful piece, Ashira.

[hardeep sabharwal]

Very nice imagery and raised some apt questions,, I like the way you ended the poem, brilliant work