Get Your Premium Membership

At a Distance



Afar off you stand,
fearful of me
because of what ... 
the color of my skin?

At a distance (you deem safe)
do you judge
the worth of me
As you live in gated comfort
of isolation

Wearing a white suit of 
fruit salad honors,
pressed to the breast
are the colors you love

Valor and bravery 
was imbued to you
by a metal wizard wand

Spitting fire in your hand
allowed you to stand
afar off from me

With a steely hand
you pinned unspeakable deeds
on the innocent and guilty

Commendations notwithstanding,
when did I give you
a medal of fear
to put me in a box safely?

From blue service to white promotion,
your scarlet actions
were washed away 
by the firmament gutter cleaners

And many heroic hosannas 
were rained upon you
from a goodly parade distance

As the familial tears 
of your justice
were buried from view ...
Safely, at a lengthy emotional dug space 

Afar off further you stand,
hateful of me
because of what ... 
the color of vitality you withdrew
from under my brother’s skin?

And you deposited 
your talisman protection
at a safe distance,
yet-to-be determined
in the witching hour

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 4/11/2018 10:45:00 AM
This is an exceptional piece that hits hard! Every time I think that you have created a masterpiece, you churn out one that shows me that your talents are boundless! BRAVO and much respect, my friend! This gem is a fave of mine! Hugs Pandita
Login to Reply
Date: 4/8/2018 11:19:00 PM
Powerful. I then went to read "Pavlov" by Naomi Cornelia Long-Madgett...for the life of me, I cannot find a link to it, could you please direct me to the poem? After reading your preface to your poem, I have read two others of this Romantic Warrior Poetess and went onto learn a bit more about Naomi and her work, I especially love "Midway". I think Naomi would drink up your work, now that would be a collaboration. I look forward to reading Pavlov once I find it.
Login to Reply
Date: 4/8/2018 12:20:00 PM
WoW! Freddie, This is the kind of poem that I can relate too but not in its entirety but some what. I wrote a poem about the color of skin as well. This poem speaks loud and clear how one could be treated unfairly because of the color of their skin. I for one heard you loud and clear. PS, I looked for poem that inspired this masterpiece of words but I was unable to find it. Excellent job:-) Alexis
Login to Reply
Date: 4/6/2018 12:42:00 PM
Excellent poetry Freddie..your words shine with elegance and meaning!
Login to Reply
Date: 4/6/2018 10:08:00 AM
My heart stood at attention as I read these thoughts of yours; then I took out a pencil and began to write. You have inspired me, Freddie, to try something new. Valor, bravery, vitality, witching hour, words I have never used before, but I shall now. The way you put them together in one word: Masterpiece.
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things