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

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

The word that comes to my mind is refraction. Color is all about perspective. This poem speaks volumes. Wonderfully penned. Tyfs

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you kindly, Cyprian, for taking the time to read and review this work. Such a thoughtful and insightful assessment. Refraction does fit perfectly with the theme offered by this work. Sometimes as authors of our art we tend to miss meanings or misinterprete because even our eyes may be biased. The perspective of others grants us a unique view of the words and allows us to contemplate other ideas perhaps hidden from us. Because we are set by our own prejudiced world view. But taking the step back and allowing our peers and fellow artists to view the work and speak of its impact on them do we gain a higher knowledge on the created art. I do appreciate the time you spent in reading and evaluating my words. You have granted me a new insight on it.

[Coyote Poetry]

Us, who love to write. We hope, we can make the world better. Thank you Carlos for sharing your amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

thank you so much for taking the time to read these words. And the hope that we as storytellers try to inspire to make this a better world.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope so too my friend. We can show the world something to think about. Maybe a better world Carlos?

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

From the stories and poetry shared in this community I have no doubt about it. It is a legacy we all have a part of here, my friend. And those curious souls who should ever wander to this place and discover this amazing world of written art.

[Chris Shaw]

I really like your thoughts here Carlos. As I read your lines I had imagery of a beating heart. I was reminded of the characteristics I like most in people. Their warmth, laughter, caring, loyalty. There was no colour there at all. Sadly too much emphasis is put on skin colour these days and not enough on the personal qualities of each individual. I have hopes and dreams for the future when all this will become a memory. This may not be what you intended, but that is what came into my mind with your words. Thank you for sharing.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You are correct, many in their rush to judgement fail to see the inner beauty. Color does not define one's soul. The very fabric of their being are the qualities within. Sadly such biases are learned traits. Hate and indifference are colored by societal influences as they pertain to social economic and cultural interests. Even segments of anglo Saxon heredity, such as Irish, were at one time persecuted and seen as lower class. And those of faith were not immune to such judgements as well. Even within the Hispanic culture we have our own bigotry toward one another. Unfortunately we can not wear our skin inside out in order to reveal we are no different from one another. But I believe, Chris, it is in our art where we distinguish our divine capacity to reflect our greater beauty. In the stories and poetry we share with one another that show we dream, love, dance, smile, and hope with the same heart and spirit. Which in the end define our human grace. That's why I have come to enjoy and love the shared words from those within this community. We are open to communication by these bonds of a love for words, despite cultural and societal differences. We all love the same, through art.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Actually, I need to clarify something wrong I said. Irish are Celtics. And also here in the US they were treated poorly during their migration to the states for many years, as were Italians as well. Here in America we don't have a very good track record of treating others from many parts of the world very welcoming despite our Declaration that would have us believe otherwise. My mistake.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Carlos for your further thoughts. Appreciated.