Get Your Premium Membership

I'M That Darkie



You know me,
or maybe you don’t
I’m that black cat
sitting in the back
with the big white eyes
glowing in the dark
If you’re one of them uncool rats
who love making light
of other people’s plight
Well, that ain’t right ...
it’s gonna make the darkie in me
open wide your eyesight

I’m that darkie
whose voice don’t have a dull shine
I’m that black cat
who’s gonna speak his mind
I’m midnight invisible,
watching the greedy dogs
snatch the crumbs off the table

I don’t fight, I don’t flee ... 
when I’m in your presence
just let me be ... let me live in peace
Don’t bother me,
but if you do
I’m that black raisin seed
that gets stuck in your teeth
Make you spit my name out your mouth,
give you nightmare blackberry grief

You don’t wanna dance mental with me,
‘cause this darkie was born to shoulder pain
Can take the brunt of just about most anything
Each bruise makes my skin darker than its been
And the darker it gets, the more I feel free
I will die showing the next gen 
	       what the color of true courage be

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: 5/1/2018 3:16:00 PM
The Tale of the Timeless, Fearless Warrior, the Black Panther - the Darkie, the man of solid conviction who stands guard, ever ready to defend and protect against racism and discrimination when those evil monsters raise their ugly heads! You always stand your ground and tell it like it is, Freddie! Love and hugs. Pandita
Login to Reply
Date: 4/27/2018 1:59:00 AM
While I don't read this as a personal diatribe, but rather as a collective effort, so to speak---I still think that with your potent pen, YOU, FRJ, are THE best man for the job you've described here! And no doubt about it that you're the guy to show the way to the next generation, (which could use some showing). Blessings, Gershon
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2018 7:33:00 PM
Man o man, power in the struggle I must say. This is a great one and has potential to be a wrap with music. The metaphor I love most is the black raisin seed that gets in your teeth." pretty annoying analogy. Love the poetry.
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2018 4:31:00 PM
ohh, fearless and righteous piece, freddie...equality rules!... huggs
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2018 3:58:00 PM
Powerful stuff... your pen is a beacon of truth..
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2018 2:57:00 PM
- Skilled written, Freddie - Almost a little scary described ... a warning that the cat can bite or scratch if it does not get to be in peace ... however, I believe you are a "soft and kind" cat :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things