A HALO OF SERENITY

slave descendant...Josephine's demise

A HALO OF SERENITY

 

After the demise of Josephine, a slave descendant

her extended family of sad hues

follows to her grave

colors of her spirit permeate her world

solely, those precious to her and without intolerance

robe in the colors of their skin

 

Josephine’s coffin is open to the community

alas, black souls minister to view

a gentle rain kisses the flowers

eagerly diffuse their scent upon the wail

not a soul takes cover from the solemnity

 

Josephine’s inherited abuse

persists in all respects

while her blood stains her master

the color claims her status in life

slaves often bore children from colorless hierarchy

nay did a mixed breed discern his father

he would disguise his intentions everlasting

 

and so, it is vulgar to feel her stratum for all

not for a moment is the wind changing direction

she lays beneath the cruelty of bias

and deep in the earth’s shelter

her aura will transform to serenity

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

History, we cannot forget. Josephine, should not be forgotten. A part of the USA history. That cannot be repeated. Thank you dear Betty for sharing the powerful poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear John for your very pointed review. love it!
Best, B.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Betty and if we forget the past. It will be repeated and you are welcome.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Beautifully written and truthful in its words. And to believe in this day and age people still argue that the civil war was based on states rights. Glossing over the defining fact that right was to own human beings as property. That is the failure of their education which profoundly impacts the entirety of our society. Feeding the masses lies from foul fruit will bear hatred from its seed. It's inconceivable that anyone of Christian faith could see this as virtuous. The mistreatment of human beings as if they were less than animals speaks ill of these deplorable people and their supposed beliefs. Insurrectionists should never been seen as patriots for they refuse to believe all men are created equal. When you are born into entitlement you lack an understanding of those less fortunate than yourself. Their suffering is foreign to you and so to is their humanity. Hatred allows a pernicious comfort in the treatment of those you see inferior to yourself. They are nothing more then things and objects to own. And to think in this modern day and age there are people that support this ideology and are just fine with it still existing. We owe it to future generations to eradicate and finally deal with this vile of American sin once and for all.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for reading Carlos, and your assessment of racial injustice through the ages and even now in our modern world... it's deplorable, to think we treat some as animals. Best,B.

[barleygirl]

This poem is the poster child for taking one small specific instance of a thing & blowing it up to bigger-than-life, in order to throw light on a much bigger & more widespread situation (((HUGS)))

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Margie.... Thanks so much for your review; Yes, my intention was to make a point with a slice of life situation... you are always appreciated,
Hugs, B

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Betty... I have observed the beauty of brown skin in
hues of a Wood Thrush with feathers and wings. The beauty of
tones of an Oboe within and those who sing with emotion and
passion is a comfort in humility ... when I realize that hearts beat
with the same creation and feelings are overwhelmed by the
Great composers of music. We dance to the same rhythm
and sorrow and feel the Joy of tomorrow. We are all precious
in God's Creation. As an Artist paints a Masterpiece with Earthly tones...
there are climates of ancestral pride. tenderly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes you are correct in your assessment of ancestral pride... and we must respect others' too; to me then justice has been done... we are one symphony, one creation, one world.
Thank you Pat for your understanding and your well worded review. Always appreciated.
Truly, B.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Betty... although we may not have chosen to have "open borders"... it seems our World will be different-- whereby the Kind will continue to be kind... and we will find a way to deal with Evil through the Veil of Goodness. It will not be Easy, in fact, a Great Challenge lies before us, and we must encourage others to believe in the Power of Persuasion. truly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Great thoughts Pat, I agree.😊

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and this should never occur...
at the funeral there should be people....just people, just people...

[Betty Hermelee]

Exactly.. and I wanted to make that point! Thanks for reading J...
Best, B.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Equity is far gone beyond reach and can only be brought back if the world would be flushed of every injustice.
But the windowless house is waiting for everyone; either bonded or free.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for visiting and reviewing with some important words.
Regards,
Betty