Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » Black and White

Black and White

When movies were in black and white And TV shows as well, Imagination was engaged For really, who could tell If someone was a redhead Or wore colors that did clash? Why, black and white could hide some zits, A birthmark or a rash. A sunset could look boring As would gardens, clothes and food And even birthday decorations Would appear subdued. How clever, then, when Dorothy Left Kansas far behind, She entered Oz whose colors Blew the audience’s mind. That movie’s coloration Let the future in a crack. Technology marched forward, While imagining stepped back.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Gershon Wolf

Date: 11/3/2018 9:54:00 PM

So true … Interesting that radio's made a comeback, but black-and-white never really will, despite the occasional retro triumph we witness these days. :) gw

Rico Leffanta

Date: 10/31/2018 12:59:00 PM

I do admire your ability to write and your perspective of life, but young people today have incredible imaginations, shooting congregations, blowing up buildings and the public, animé, monsters and heroines - there is just no end to it, whereas we were left to imagine Red Skelton locking the Devil in a closet… Aloha! Rico

Chris Green

Date: 10/31/2018 11:07:00 AM

I loved this one Ilene. Always so much fun and wonderfully written poetry flows so smoothly from you pen or mind or keyboard. : ) And I should say thank you as well, my contest entry for the Oz contest is based somewhat on this theme, at least the color part of it. I wasn't sure if anyone knew what I was talking about.

Paul Callus

Date: 10/31/2018 7:32:00 AM

Colour brought in a whole new dimension, but I still miss those B&W films and tv shows, Ilene. Now, as you rightly say, not much is left to the imagination. I also agree with comments down below, re radio. Regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/31/2018 4:35:00 AM

- The last line is so true, Ilene - A wonderful poem - The youth today do not learn to use their imagination - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 10/30/2018 9:13:00 PM

Great last line, Ilene, and truthful. I loved listening to radio programs as a preteen boy: Buster Brown, Jungle Boy, The Shadow, and others. They offered much to activate one's imagination. This too brought back memories. Thanks. / M

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/30/2018 7:44:00 PM

This is wonderful, Irene! In a lot of ways, our imaginations are challenged far less today then they once were. I wonder if anyone still sits around a campfire telling stories that listeners have to imagine. Bravo! Best wishes in the Oz contest, Carolyn

Jan Allison

Date: 10/30/2018 6:57:00 PM

the youngsters today will probably have never seen black and white photos let alone tv programmes. I like the radio because that is theatre of the mind:-) hugs jan xx

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/30/2018 7:44:00 PM

Yes, listening to stories on the radio left far more to the imagination. Wish there were still stories like those today.