In Black and White

I have some photographs in black and white
which show my life when I was just a child.
That bygone era long ago took flight,
but pictures of it in my mind are filed.

How fitting that my photographs depict
the drabness of our time in Washington.
No dazzle in the state my father picked
for us to live in; clouds would hide the sun!

My dad was cursed with illness of the mind.
For me, bright hues mean family fun and play.
How little happiness were we to find
where black and white got blended into gray.

My later youth for color did not lack,
but melancholy years were white and black.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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123
A. Sharma Avatar
October 8, 2015 at 1:50 AM
Awesome write Andrea! Congrats on big win!
A  Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 10:48 PM
Andrea, it's nice to see this one with a new placement. Congrats!!!!! LOVE **SKAT**
Richards Avatar
October 1, 2015 at 7:46 PM
This one is rather sad....knowing it is a memory that is apparently true. So glad your poem got another chance !! Congrats to you, Andrea!
Tor Avatar
October 1, 2015 at 4:32 PM
Andrea congratulations my Dear on this well deserved win, Like Casarah I had this write much higher then where it finished. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This beholder thinks its at the tippy top! ps made the corrections on Jack Ellison's tribute.
Nunez Avatar
October 1, 2015 at 4:21 PM
Yes, I can understand how black and white would be associated with melancholy days. Congrats, Andie! hugs!
Ryerson Avatar
August 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM
Thank God it did not affect you OR your family my friend. I knew you were originally from Iowa but did not know you lived in Washington...How you managed to write a SONNET about mental illness is beyond me...Amazing! Big congrats to my best friend on the Soup - Tim
Lamoureux Avatar
August 23, 2015 at 3:42 PM
What a vivid and impactful tale, congratulations Andrea.
Ebbs Avatar
August 22, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Congrats Andrea!
Sietesantos Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 9:18 AM
Andrea, this piece is exceptional! I am so moved by your father's story and thank you for courageously sharing it. Congratulations on this excellent winning write! Pandita
A. Sharma Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 12:34 AM
Congrats on ur awesome poem n win Andrea! How brave you hv been dear, kudos to you!
A  Avatar
August 19, 2015 at 9:07 PM
Andrea. Congrats on your Mental Illness win.... SKAT
D. Avatar
August 19, 2015 at 8:20 PM
Thank You Andrea
Sergi Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 12:09 PM
Your poem makes me recall the old type photos of my Italian ancestors all with a grim look and fully suited. Great Write, Andrea!
Lovechild Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 11:45 AM
Great write. I wonder why black/white photos seem to illicit more stirring thoughts and emotions, good and bad, maybe it's because we're left to ourselves to devise what the color scheme (or, in the case of melancholy, nothing at all).
Sirak Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 7:20 AM
Andrea, I love this one! You know it makes me think of the chapter in my book about our family pics in black and white. Well done, my friend!
Kendrick Avatar
April 3, 2015 at 5:12 PM
Ahh!! Great quality poetry!! Way to go with this win..Congrats..Sara
A. Sharma Avatar
April 2, 2015 at 4:02 AM
Awesome write Andrea! Had to be a top place winner,, big congrats!
Carter Avatar
April 2, 2015 at 12:38 AM
I love the tone of the whole poem especially the couplet at the end. It perfectly matches the drabness of the speaker's experience.
La France Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 1:16 PM
Andrea, congratulations on this wonderful win in the contest with this beautifully written poem, 7 . . . .
Roper Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 11:25 AM
Congratulations on your wonderful win. Blessings eve
Nunez Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 10:43 AM
Impeccable rhythm and rhyme. Your writes inspire one to do better. Congratulations on your top tier win, Andrea! Kim :)
Carmack Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 11:01 PM
Andrea, congrats on taking a top spot. Hugs, Rob.
Haight Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 6:10 PM
Andrea, stopping back with my congratulations on your 1st Place win for you fantastic poem. Sandra
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 5:13 PM
I knew this one would take top honors Andrea. Big Congrats my friend!
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 2:41 PM
You blend life and photos with a touch of black and white melancholy. Top marks for a touching and clever poem. #7 Congrats on another merited podium finish! // paul
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