Black

Nuff said...

You use the keys to the city to cut the rainbow’s rusty chain

Pulling it into your kitchen, you lick it while humming Patsy Cline

Your tongue whispers Roy G. Biv and blisters

On the outside you remain inky black

Shovel coal, eroded shoal

Life experiences that take their toll

Deep in the swamp, a half burned shack

Society won’t take you back

You can’t escape from being black

You turn the radio up, music colors life

Singing tunes of redemption and sweet desire

Maybe delicious lyrics will color you brightly

On the inside you remain pitch black

Raving crow, sold out show

Slimy things they’re voices low

You can’t see, they’re on your back

Purple heart beat, smoking crack

You can’t escape from being black

You sit at the window and watch the birds

Experiences give character, a sixty-four box of crayons with sharpener

Your eyes see a world you want to explore with prying fingers

On your deathbed your thoughts are back alley black

Wispy smoke, worn out joke

Whiskey burns and makes you choke

You can’t control the death ships tack

You’ll never run the victory track

You can’t escape from being black

Author's Note

Its hard getting out of your own way.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

For the longest time I’ve wished I could find the words to write something meaningful about the overblown “kneeling” controversy (NFL). In my mostly agricultural location, people can be so “white” in the way they view everything (immigration, patriotism, police brutality). It’s impossible to make a statement about any of it without getting a ton of blowback. Your poem here is the perfect way to approach such controversial topics. You found a way to make a universal statement that cannot be disputed & then you bring in all the ways it’s such a curse, to flesh out your message. This is so well done, I want to learn from it. I also find it interesting the way you use alternating stanzas – regular font & italicized – which gives your poem the “sound” of a blues song with verses & chorus (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Crowley]

Wow, awesome review Margie. My alternating stanzas are kind of a signature. When I write in the normal font, it is the exterior voice saying what is usual and appropriate, the refrains are the little voice that always brings up the rear, the horrifying truth or the thought we don't speak in mixed company. I get criticized for it because people say its more like two poems not one and that the point is to say things as concisely as possible. But it is my very favorite way to write, its my mind that won't shut up and I have come to love that voice a little.

[barleygirl]

We must honor our truth & our true voice. My country hick countenance is my signature & I don't care what city slickers can't understand my jargon! *wink! wink!*

[jacob erin-cilberto]

especially hard when others won't let you....i like this because it is allegorical...
can be literal...but to me more figurative...it's what's on the inside that really matters..

those lives matter....most.

[Crowley]

You have that exactly right. Thanks for the generous reviews my friend!!

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

black sails rising...too many connections to the truth dont always help you find treasure...but they manage the soul nicely...

[Crowley]

Yeah...this was on of my first published pieces. I am not as keen on it because it reminds me of family members. Thanks for the review Girl!!!