I am not color

To me people are painted more beautifully on the inside then we could ever be outside. Because within the colors often change creating new vibrance and unimaginable hues.

I am not Color 

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

I am not color 

I am what is beneath it.

An amalgamation of thought

and memories in inertia.

I am not color 

it is simply a tinge.

I am the content of character

defined from within, and expressed 

throughout the living of days.

I am not color 

It is but a gradient.

I do not expect to change the world 

With my words; I simply wish to be

a part of it.

Author's Note

This short poem is an unfinished work, mostly because it comes from a life still evolving and growing.

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

"memories in inertia" BEAUTIFUL! I am simply a "tinge," a "gradient," expressed each and every day of life. And the coup de grace:
"I do not expect to change the world
With my words; I simply wish to be
a part of it."
This speaks volumes and rings true in every generation.
This is absolute! Thanks for having shared this. /Frederick

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts on this piece. The world calls for truth in these days of misinformation. I try to play my part and speak what I know and have lived in these 57 yrs of life I have been given. I am no more wiser or less intelligent than those younger or older; I have come to realize. I'm simply me and a singular perspective. Art to me has a unifying power of expression. Always speak truth for the words will resonate in the heart of others. Thank you kindly again for your comment.

[red93]

I like this one very much and definitely an idea that can be developed - Excellent.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

thank you so much for your kind review. Much like me it is a work in progress. I strive to be better and as writers we are constantly evolving in ideas and understanding toward the world we are part of. In hopes that we can maybe capture its fascinating beauty in words, and ask of others to strive to be better in humanity. Thank you again for taking time to read and pass along your thoughts. It is greatly appreciated.

[Yellow Butterfly]

This is an insightful piece of writing you have penned here Carlos. Your words give food for thought…a conversation starter…a wonderful analogy to describe ‘colour’ and a beautiful way to describe oneself. The saying…… ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’…comes to mind.


You are a joy to read….. :)

YB

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, YB, for your review and for your time. In most of my writings I try to touch on themes that spark conversations and ideas from other perspectives. I try to do my best to not be offensive or court controversies because it oftens stymies and ends any needed debate on the subject. Any civil discussion must be grounded on truth and honesty. In one of my long form short stories "In her fair Colors" I took pains in presenting a tale of love between a young Spanish girl and a Native American Navajo girl. It is one of the most challenging stories I have ever written. As a male I must understand how a woman loves versus how a man does. I have to understand the qualities and differences between the sexes to try and capture the beauty of a girl falling in love for the first time. I try to strive for authenticity, purity, and honesty, so that it reflects in the work and theme. I want it to move someone on a human and emotional level. To challenge people's biases as well as any I myself may have. Writers are observers of life and it is demanded of us we try to be neutral on certain subjects in order to draw out its truthfulness and capture its beauty. But there are times where we can't be silent and must take a stand in times of injustice and persecution. It is difficult to not sound too preachy, especially when you believe wholeheartedly on a subject. I love writing because it demands so much of me. All writers are faced with similar dilemma. We only want to be heard through our art and to converse with our audience. This short poem allowed me this opportunity and I am happy to be able to have a conversation with you because of it. Thank you again for taking the words to heart and saying how you feel about it.

[Silmara McGarry]

I really enjoy your poem and specially think is so so well said!!!
We are not the outside, inward is so much more interesting and amazing specifically the uniqueness of each one. And since I love sorter poems, I don't even think it is unfinished.... lol

Stay well :-)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Silmara, for taking the time to read and review this work. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Outer beauty is fleeting, while inner beauty is eternal. And you definitely are correct about its completion, though I am sure you recognize as a writer yourself, we are rarely satisfied with our work and believe we can add more flourishes to our art. It's difficult to put the brush or pen down and say enough hahaha. But when my peers say job well done then I am content. I appreciate the time you have taken to read and comment on this poem. Thank you so much.

[Silmara McGarry]

Ahahah... I agree with you, either add or change...lol
You are most welcome dear :-)

[John the Baptist]

Actually none of us are color. We are, as the poem notes, what lies beneath it. It would be nice if all saw it this way, but color is connected to many things, tribalism among them. As long as people identify with tribes, color will be a factor.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

So very true. I cling to hope though as a community of writers and artists of words we can leave behind a legacy that grays our vision outward to view the beautiful colors inward where they are their most vibrant and alluring. And so uniquely individually special. A romantic thought I know...but I still hope. Thank you for your words.

[A]

I really liked this piece of writing! Especially the last part. I'm pretty amateur but I can see that I can learn a lot from you! I'll keep up with what you post, it's all really great :) also, really liked the last part. Makes you think a lot... :)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

thank you for your kind review and words, Amal. Even at my senior age I still feel very much an amateur. Storytelling and poetry writing are truly a lifetime process. We never are really satisfied completely at works revealed. And often go back re editing over and over. Never be discouraged with the difficult act of writing because we all truly are amateurs. Most are never fully appreciated until they are dead, and unable to change and edit their work anymore. It's a profound statement to say but mostly true. I encourage you to write what you love to write. And let your words find a home of their own in the hearts of your reader, because that is where perfection lies. And always be true to you. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me.

[KWP]

I'm with Jacob - love the last lines.

Do you really think our memories are in inertia? This in itself is an interesting thought :D

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for your review of this work. I wanted it to reference the idea of memories created for those we love and living of life, building coalescing into a singular idea that defines our adoration. The accumulation of memories building upon each other to build foundation. Much like me this poem is a work in progress. I'm sure in time it will change some, much like me. The last line really reflects my thoughts on storytelling, and encouraging others to speak their voice. To not be afraid to say what they feel, and to expect only as a reward that they are seen and accepted for who they are. Not everyone is destined for greatness, but it doesn't mean we can't be a great person and a better human being in the small kindness we give to others. Nor does it mean we are failures either because we don't reach an expectations we may place upon ourselves, or not live by what others expected of us. Sometimes acceptance is of far more value then anything else one can receive. Such as being a part of this community that is rich with talent and pure artists. If my peers see my work and are touched by something in it to me that is enough. And I become part of community by those I admire. I'm sorry for my rambling on. Thank you so much for taking time to read this work. I truly appreciate it, and also your thoughts on it as well.

[KWP]

I see the poem within your comment ... I wonder if you can get more of that depth in your poem?
read moreI see the poem within your comment ... I wonder if you can get more of that depth in your poem?

Just a thought - I mean - you peom is good as it is - but as you say its a WIP - oftentimes I try and revisit to add depth - the depth is hard to encapsulate (well for me anyway)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I love your last lines in this. And yes, none of us is color on the outside, only on the inside and that color is one of vibrant personality and individuality.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you for your kind review, Jacob, I couldn't have said it better myself. The power of our beauty is truly within, where her colors are their most rich and vibrant.

[saunder smarshal]

This short poem is an unfinished work but I find it quite beautiful. Thank you for composing it. Please create many good masterpieces of poetry because I really like it.s I will follow you in the next posts.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on this work. I truly appreciate it.

[ev vileville]

You are unity. This is raw and heartfelt. I love the honest emotions.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

thank you for the kind review I really appreciate it. There are times that art asks us to reveal these truths about ourselves, or to reflect upon them. And to ask those who read or see our work to be true to themselves as well. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate it.