Rules

People of color tell US your story.
If we judge it best we’ll give you glory.
But, you must tell US fast
the contest won’t last.
Tell it just right
for US who are white.
Give US a black rhyme 
‘cuz now’s our good listening time.

         That joke’s so funny
         I can’t breath, honey

Like this story ain’t old
Like it ain’t already been told
Why put it on me
when you don’t want to see?

Why must I always teach you?
Why must I always preach you?
Why must I always beseech you?
When it never can reach you?

This system is yours 
You shut the doors 
You hoard the tools
You make the rules

You already knew 
This is just what you do
There is nothing new
I still just want MY due

So don’t waste my time
Don’t expect my best rhythm 
This problem is yours - not mine
At night, I breathe, just fine.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 6/15/2020 10:38:00 AM
DI, I'm very glad I read this. The whole poem was worthy of your top placement, but I found the teach/preach/beseech/reach stanza especially powerful. I'm sure it must get old speaking the same message to deaf ears, but I encourage you to keep planting the seeds for some will take root. I believe Langston and Maya would smile upon your writing. ~ John
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Date: 6/14/2020 9:57:00 PM
No offense taken.;0)
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Date: 6/14/2020 4:19:00 PM
I was looking for other poems. I see you have just joined us. Welcome to the soup, I look forward to reading more of your poetry. Do drop by for a visit. ;0)
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Viera Avatar
Di Viera
Date: 6/14/2020 8:19:00 PM
I wrote poetry in my angsty youth & have been thinking about going back to it now that I’m vintage. So, I stumbled into the Soup & your contest. A few weeks ago I wrote a poem: RESPIRATION 2020 that I would’ve submitted to your contest if I didn’t see the opportunity to point out another of the many ways that privilege manifests. I’m going to post it now; I hope you will read it.
Date: 6/14/2020 10:46:00 AM
If you have time, please read my poem “Shattering Rose Coloured Glasses” https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/shattering_rose_coloured_glasses_1181209
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Date: 6/14/2020 10:44:00 AM
This is the last entry in my contest. As it says in scripture, “The last shall be first” I found this to be a sobering response. I was reluctant to run this contest but am glad that I did. Personally I feel there is never a bad time to start listening. I’m sure it must seem hollow when you have screamed for so long and far to little has changed. Blessings Richard. Your poem is raw, provocative and moving.
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Viera Avatar
Di Viera
Date: 6/14/2020 8:11:00 PM
Thanks for your kind words re: my freestyle poem RULES. I literally wrote it for you this morning. Please don’t take offense; I agree there is never a bad time to start listening.
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