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About Being Black

Nobody hates themself more than a black person does nobody thinks more about things that never was always wondering what they could’ve did or should’ve been If they wasn’t blocked by a color barrier dead-end Nobody indulges in foolishness more than black people do partying til they’re broke, then having to borrow from you always dreaming that riches are a lottery ticket away Attending lets-pretend-churches to watch the preachers play Nobody is more vain than a black man with charm knowing a whole lot of nothing has made him so weak-armed always hoping that someone important perhaps soon will notice him In his colorful custom-made clothes and a matching fancy brim Nobody is more critical than a black woman with skills only measuring men in terms of their ability to pay bills always praying that someday Mister Right would come along And listen to her sad tales of how she had been done wrong Nobody is as dysfunctional as an extended black family unstable selfish Hebrews who are Gentile wannabes always forgetting how to truly show each other love Affection comes in the form of a swift kick, push and shove Nobody loves themself less than a black child does constantly getting abused and mistreated just because always wishing that one day they would shed their black skin And become like that beautiful white swan who once was an ugly duckling

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Alexis Y.

Date: 7/28/2018 12:43:00 PM

Cont-Kudos to you for laying it all on the line and writing what most want to write about but don't have the guts to do so. I admire and respect your pen my friend:-) Alexis

Alexis Y.

Date: 7/28/2018 12:40:00 PM

WoW! Freddie, What a good and honest write from your perspective on being black. I definitely related to it. Self hate because of dire situations is common. But when onne comes into an understanding that are bigger than all cruelty done to them, it makes them stronger. When we make a choice not live in the past we become free to accept and appreciate ourselves and others. This only my opinion as a black woman.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 7/26/2018 4:49:00 AM

Ty, everyone for your compassionate insights, thoughtful comments. This is one of my earliest poems. I wrote it when I was a very young man. I rarely post my virgin phase work on PSoup. As for my take on this poem: I speak for a heavy-burdened nation. Of our successes and triumphs ... our hopes, struggles ... and our foibles. No race of people is pure. Confessing our collective faults is a good, Christian thing to do. Or else, why did my nation get cast out into captivity? Love and peace always.

Charlie Smith

Date: 7/14/2018 11:29:00 AM

You left all this weight behind a long, long time ago with that pin of yours. We should never forget where we've been, for a better focus on where we're going. Loved this piece Freddie...

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/14/2018 5:29:00 AM

My first and last thought is, "But what about you? You are a confident black man, who can throw his feelings on paper and you are GOOD at it. And what about Oprah and what about Whitney Houston and what about Barak and Michelle? There are so many exceptions to this poem, thank goodness." I never generalize people, because it does not work for me.It is a great poem. Makes people think.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 7/13/2018 11:41:00 AM

This makes me a bit sad. No one should ever have to feel this way; we should all be allowed to be ourselves, be proud of whom we are and what we've accomplished, whenever we do well. Hopefully, some day, there will be a massive shift in consciousness and everyone will just be whom they are without embarrassment, shame, self doubt or anything of that sort of feeling . Above all, no child should ever be treated that way; we as a society, must learn to see one another as individuals and children as the precious gifts which, they are. Well written but, so heart wrenchingly sad.