Notes About The Poem

Life is school

where we learn

courageously.

Writing In a Black Perspective

WRITING IN A BLACK PERSPECTIVE

Why is it that someone's pain is felt pleasure to another?
I arrived with fears. I cared to find a friend, anywhere
But I wasn't taught to be my own; no school helped me to look within
I heard of God of deep blackness; with words, inciting light
One voice, one eye in our universe
My voice to converse felt crippled.

My family pools held many colors; warm as Caribbean sea breeze
Each person was of significance. Two were like gazelles, alluring
One was as dark as night, the other was near blinding white
Those in between were earth tones.

I looked out beyond decked windows. Multicolored Christmas lights blinked
Nonchalantly in dark of morning; snow was falling, and had covered bare
limbs of a cherry blossom tree- such picturesque view, i decided:
'On this most snowing, all white reigns supremely pure, as the black of night.'

The irises of my eyes were dark brown pools, merging with black pupils...
I was cinnamon; yet found solace in my shade of dark, no harsh light
Soft was my dark. No more depression lurked within. Mine eyes, my ears craved
Transparency; then came clarity. I understood triggers triggering depression
Revelations were as treasured as exercise. Fresh air, rain, sun, I was in awe of
My Higher Power's helpful hands- simplicity and clarity were blessings
I needed no Prozac.

At the start of a new day, I'd submerge in warmth, and baptize myself
I would bring soothing light to mesh with quiet dark
I would lounge, meditate, and pray. Sometimes I'd sing or hum a tune
I'd go fearlessly in the dark, knowing when not to rush
I'd go fearlessly near blinding lights, knowing where to focus.

Who am I? i am as soft as the sinews of you; yet steadfast
A dessert flower with dew of faith- even in winter
I am a flower, thriving like evergreen...
Amid histories fiercest touch to my roots
I know of grace, granted by the Source
Transcending me to live as never before understood.

I need not cry out my fears, in ways that let others fear
I must cry out injustices, so that others, too, may sing
I go fearlessly to face my fears, knowing scars are lessons learned
And good visualizations are as friends, not foes.

*
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Inman Avatar
May 1, 2021 at 9:37 AM
An absolutely beautiful write, Iris. It is so filled with emotion and metaphor.
Fenn Avatar
April 29, 2021 at 8:25 PM
You’re a strong woman, Iris, and this is reflected in your writing. I like all of your powerful poems that arrived in my inbox today, especially this one. Keep them coming!
Staton Avatar
December 23, 2018 at 6:06 AM
How can I describe my expression during this read? Mouth wide open in awe! Excellent! This is definitely a favorite poem of mine!
Sergi Avatar
January 28, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Dear Iris : I was in awe of your metaphoric poem. You have epitomized a culture despite the agony of defeat and defiance. Look homeward , Angel!
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