Middle Aged White Guy

How do I shed the label
of a white oppressive man
Do I listen to the message
of Obama's "Yes we can!"
Perhaps I'll go out marching 
With women take to the streets
Hold placards of "Black Lives Matter"
While trying to feel their pained heart beats

Still I wonder should I feel guilty
for horrible things my race has done
Or would it not be better
If I instead loved everyone
My friends are many religions
Jewish, Muslim, Christian Too
I've conversed with Jehovah witnesses 
if you are Sikh I can learn from you

I'm unconcerned with color
or the kind of clothes you wear
I'm more interested in your story
and the heart you're willing to share
Don't see me as an enemy
Just because my skin is white
Understanding will replace our fear
Conversations can make things right

No one wants to be looked at
through the lens of a clouded eye
If you and I are both willing
a different logic will apply
In the end we are brothers and sisters 
there is but one human race
Each person wants a sense of belonging 
It's up to us to create that space.

Entry for Debbie Guzzi's " What is White?" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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12
Staton Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 8:35 AM
Well written. I enjoyed reading your poem.
Sietesantos Avatar
June 2, 2018 at 10:22 AM
BRAVO, my brother! Tears in my eyes, I am so touched by this amazing piece! Congratulations on all the well-deserved accolades you have received! Love and hugs. Pandita
Haight Avatar
January 25, 2018 at 7:15 PM
"I'm more interested in your story and the heart you're willing to share..." I love these words in your poem, Richard... a powerful write. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Sandra :)
Gauthier Avatar
January 25, 2018 at 1:56 PM
I enjoyed your poem, Richard. Congrats on your well deserved win.
Roper Avatar
January 24, 2018 at 10:40 PM
Richard, congratulations on your win! Very powerful write it is up to us . Hugs Eve ~`*
Lamoureux Avatar
January 25, 2018 at 9:02 AM
Thanks Eve, hugs back to you.
Pett Avatar
January 24, 2018 at 2:37 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Richard with this wonderful poem, a joy to read. :))
Lamoureux Avatar
January 25, 2018 at 9:02 AM
Thanks Roy.
Guzzi Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 8:27 PM
Thank you, Richard, for being YOU, as always thanks for entering the contest & lovely to hear more from you this week. Congrad's Light & Love
Lamoureux Avatar
January 24, 2018 at 7:58 AM
Thanks Debbie.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 2:59 PM
I'm more interested in your story and the heart you're willing to share...love this line the best. As much as we as humans can get to know each other! Congrats!
Lamoureux Avatar
January 24, 2018 at 7:59 AM
Thanks Kim.
Medders Tobechi Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 11:41 AM
To be able to compose such thoughts so well reflects humanitarian. You love your fellows and respect them highly. Well written. Congratulations.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 1:46 PM
What a great comment. Thanks for your visit.
Acrich Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 10:22 AM
Remember the book in the 60's Black like me it was powerful
Lamoureux Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 1:47 PM
Hi Marc, I think it was made into a movie starring Rob Lowe.
Acrich Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 10:21 AM
When I read your poems I see im on the right track, Very nice Marc
Lamoureux Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 1:47 PM
Thanks Marc.
Koria Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 1:35 AM
A well written piece. You have definitely covered all the stereotypes that the world sees everyone. You were right about this poem being related to "Dark". You obviously have put your mark on The Soup and it's a honor to be writing on The Soup with you.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 7:10 AM
What a nice thing to say. I have no doubt you too will add to the flavour of the soup.
Duncan Avatar
March 3, 2017 at 3:44 PM
You wrote well. No one ever talks about the Irish who were in slaved. Or, blacks selling and/or in slaving their own. Obama has not gone back to Chicago.
O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 17, 2017 at 10:16 PM
This is brilliant Richard, congrats and I'm definitely going to fave this masterpiece; this poem should be posted on every street corner of the world!
Bennett Avatar
February 15, 2017 at 6:12 AM
No one could have said it better !! You have expressed how most of us feel. Very frustrating !! Thank you !! ~~ JEANIE ~~ xoxo
Krampe Avatar
February 14, 2017 at 8:44 PM
Missed your POTD, since I was not able to read here during the past few weeks. Belated congrats. Beautiful poem and sentiment.
Manassian Avatar
February 11, 2017 at 5:45 PM
Read this one on FB, dear. Superb
Robinson Jr. Avatar
February 9, 2017 at 1:37 PM
Beautiful truth this poem speaks, Richard. Very passionate plea for peace and spiritual harmony. Excellent poem voicing what many conscientious white people no doubt feel in their heart. Keep the love and knowledge flowing, my friend. Love and peace to you.
Lamoureux Avatar
February 11, 2017 at 1:20 PM
Thanks my friend.
Ball Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 5:09 AM
Excellent Richard. My feelings exactly. My father was Sicilian and my mother a Native American. My mom was very proud of her race and indented that pride into me. When I found Christ I came to the realization that the only Blood that mattered was the Blood Christ shed for me. The color of your skin, your eyes, your hair, the blood in your veins is a personal gift from God Almighty. No one should ever have to be ashamed of that. Great Stuff. A seven from me. God Bless, JB
Lamoureux Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 8:10 AM
What a great response, thanks for sharing some of your story. Well said.
U.D Palawon  Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 10:52 AM
Unfortunately friend, few recognize such noble thoughts. Some have made religion a weapon of revenge and its leading nowhere! Congrats on your POTD. :)
Lamoureux Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 8:11 AM
That is true and sad. Thanks for commenting.
Dietrich Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 7:22 PM
I just had to check this one out when I read the clever title. Love it. Too bad so many can't "get it"
Lamoureux Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 8:13 AM
The ones who do can change the world.
Roper Avatar
February 4, 2017 at 10:28 PM
We need to see little children playing with each other more often. These little children, don't see color and don't understand why people say or do to them they just know and see it happens.. If we were all little children like Christ asked we would see each other as equals.. Nice write,Richard Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 8:40 AM
I agree with you Eve, well said.
B. Avatar
February 4, 2017 at 10:17 PM
Richard this poem is outstanding!!
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 8:40 AM
Thanks Carol.
Melugin Avatar
February 3, 2017 at 5:24 PM
Richard, Your creation, the poetic flow is amazing, surpassed only by the message you proclaim. 7 is not good enough! My best to you, chuch
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 8:41 AM
What a nice thing to say, thanks.
Daniel Avatar
February 2, 2017 at 1:14 AM
Superb poetry here, Richard:) I agree with that last stanza:) congratulations on your POTD:)
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2017 at 8:42 AM
Thanks, much appreciated.
12
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