Nette Onclaud Poet Lyric

Skin Tones

What is the color of your skin?
Yellow as the radiance of the sun that yields 
to the ticking drips of morning's climb ;
or black in the gentleness of a dusk
closing its light to render god and man
the sleep from trodden journeys?

Perhaps, white like cavorting waterfalls
tumbling into ripples of snowflakes, lips freezing
into icicles of wintry moon?
Is it brown likened to the very soil of a hearth
feeding our bones with of mounds of wheat?

Our complexion has nothing to do with
the universal language of freedom or inalienable
rights of oneness--the equal opportunity
given by life's behest. And yet, most
of humanity have a low tolerance 
for people whose skin is colored like evening--
marginalized through chains of prejudice.
 
I weep and ask; i have no answer.



For Brian Strand's Premiere 125 Contest
Reposted 1/30/2018

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

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

Weston Gregory June 24, 2014 at 7:47 AM a relevant topic well worth us bringing out its incompatibility to human continued existence and progress.... we are more than our claim to skin hue...thks for sharing

Andrea Dietrich June 21, 2014 at 7:36 PM soupmail, nette

Andrea Dietrich June 21, 2014 at 6:48 PM Wow, outstanding, Nette. Did it take first place??? I think it should have!!!!

Donna Jones June 19, 2014 at 12:21 PM Awesome!!!! A well written piece nett....and enjoyable comments as well....thank you...

Paul Callus June 18, 2014 at 2:04 PM This is what the civilized world has not learnt to cope with, and I doubt if it will ever manage to. Racism rears its ugly head, even in fields where it was non-existent but now is so prominent (such as in sport). Congrats Nette on your win. // paul

Jan Allison June 18, 2014 at 2:17 AM just popping back with my congratulations Nette! Hugs jan xxxx

Dr.Ram Mehta June 17, 2014 at 11:07 PM Congratulations on a fine win in the contest on Tolerance, nette

Poet Tacito June 17, 2014 at 2:01 PM So. Much. Truth. I wish I knew the answers too. Perhaps the answers lie in how we treat each other genuinely. Maybe. But, what do I know?

Justin Bordner June 17, 2014 at 1:17 PM Most human are unwilling to suppress and sublimate the competitive drive to compete and subdue eachother, its a purely animal trait. Remember Nette, competition is opposition in human eyes. I think we need more Divine Inspiration. J.A.B.

Mustapha Mohammed June 17, 2014 at 7:27 AM This shows to a great deal how dynamic you are in your poetic flair. Its no easy topic to still be able to capture a readers attention but I thought you did a wonderful job. The message is succinct and strong, something that we can take note of.

Arthur Vaso June 16, 2014 at 6:36 PM I particularly liked Tim's comments on this great poem. I might no have answers, I sure have some fun ideas, everyone should have to live in someone else s skin for a month, when you live and feel it, you gain empathy towards others who suffer it. Cheers

Shadow Hamilton June 16, 2014 at 4:46 PM this is a fantastic pen Nette until people learn tolerance it is a sad world gl in contest hugs

Ashley Conte June 16, 2014 at 2:32 PM And how! Skin colour is just the effect of climatic conditions.Your poem is exceptional and deep.; the closing line startled me! Had fun with your last challenge. Thank you!

Tim Smith June 16, 2014 at 2:22 PM There is no answer..there is no cure..al we can do is treat everyone how we would like to be treated....fear, jealousy and hatred are all excuses. Egotism and elitism are all to prevalent...peace, love and happiness is the motto we should all live by...hugs Tim

Jan Allison June 16, 2014 at 2:16 PM I hate any form of prejudice Nette and that based on the colour of someone's skin is oh so sad - its the person that counts not the colour of the skin you are in. Hugs Jan xxxxxx

Toquyen Harrell June 16, 2014 at 1:57 PM Truly no answer. Some people are stupid in their own right without knowing it - thinking they see but don't see. Others are indeed blind. Only God can open their eyes. We are the product of our upbringing. But one can change as He always thinks His is perfect. He will make sure that we mold to what He has envisioned for us. So let go. It's not our job :)