Best Racism Poems
In memory of----
Solely in my room, I can't stomach the sound of my pulse
I sit here alone to forget the taste of air.
Overwhelm by the scene -unbelievable footage
18 seconds long, "I can't breathe."
My judgment "GONE" stressing all night long
I use to fear dark colors, now I fear spinning bright lights
Red, White, and Blue, I spew the NY crew
What's wrong with your blue eyes?
You see him, you want him to die
What a day to trade -- a life for illegal cigarettes
Persecution and judgment day, sweet life - taken away
"I can't breathe", executed in broad daylight!
Bullets left and right
Who's policing the police
What happened to mind our business?
Moneymaker refused to be singled out
A hurting voice tackled by racism
Free to see, pouring his heavy heart,
Oinkers demand the ground, shutting down his testament
8 times too many, "I can't breathe!"
Where did his vitals go?
No one to tap him out, pound the pavement!
What the hell, why are you just standing there???
Stress, anger, madness, the voice of innocence
"I can't breathe." the volume to valium
"Officer, did you not hear the man?"
Are you deaf, have you forgotten how to save a life?
Is it just the NYPD or is it every other badge,
Insinuating crime's a one-color show.
We are all criminals, why the excessive heat?
Shot, tasered, beat down, pepper-sprayed, now on the ground
The mother of all chokeholds, murdered, outnumbered
The echoes remain "I can't breathe!"
- The truth!
Eric Garner robbed of his own natural path and youth
One man down eyed suspiciously
Perplexed minds suffocating him instantly
The mistrusted, the awe, the hate,
So tangible, uniforms using deadly force
One asthmatic in a chokehold
Slamming his head on the floor
Open wounds, worldwide tears
My heart goes to the family and friends left behind
A courageous last breath, for the first and last time
"I can't breathe," now deceased.
You left this world unwilling, waking up a strong community
Strolling in a safer world, where racial discrimination doesn't exist
"I can't breathe," Eric Garner Rest in peace!
By: PD
You asked me the other day, my friend,
who I am and I replied:
I am you in another body!
Yes, it is true,
Look, how much the same we are,
No matter what, the color
The creed
The race
The status
Look,
I am born and I die
I suffer and I enjoy
I love and I hate, just
Like you!
I am a father, a brother, a son,
A mother, a sister, a daughter, just
Like you,
Happiness I seek,
Family to raise is my wish,
Peace to find I look for,
Just like you
I yearn
I abhor
I fear
I hope
I bleed
I heal,
Just like you,
I believe
I doubt
I accept
I refuse
I laugh
I cry,
just like you
We are alike
We are the same
We are brothers...
Children of a unique father.
Tell me,
My brother,
My friend,
My ally,
Why do we have to oppose,
To fight
To hurt
To destroy and
To eliminate
One another?
Are our seas really that narrow,
Our oceans that small,
Our lands so limited
To contain all of us?
Or
Is it the case that
Our hearts are not big enough
And our minds not so wide-open to
Enfold all mankind?
Listen to me, my other self:
It is up to us to change this world
We have inherited, with its virtues and vices,
History and culture
Flaws and merits
And
Try to make it
Better
Nobler
Kinder and more caring
By obliterating harmful beliefs,
Demolishing injurious divisions,
Destroying detrimental distrust,
Annihilating racism and eradicating
The erroneous feeling of poisonous superiority
For
To bring the dawn of a new loving world,
A world of acceptance
Of respect
Of justice
Of equality
Of love and
Of universal brotherhood
So as
With peace in our hearts, liberated we would be
From the past’s deleterious tribulations
That for myriads of years,
Have kept us, fighting one another!
© Demetrios Trifiatis
21 MARCH 2015
Copyright © Demetrios Trifiatis | Year Posted 2015
NOTE! Today because of the “ World Day Against Racism” my moral duty, couldn’t let me stay away!
This poem of mine is an old poem of 2013 that has been edited and improved today thus it is posted now as a new poem!
* I did this for all my friends who wish me to come back. I will come back when I am ready! Thank you for your love!
"I'm a conundrum. Or an enigma. I forget which." James A. Owen
In a white man's world,
I've become an enigma,
feeling like I don't belong,
trying to break the stigma.
In these mental maladapted creations,
against misplaced monachopsis damnations,
they stare at the colour of your skin,
like it's some dirty unwashable sin.
Be like Nelson Mandela,
you have the strength to fight,
once labelled a terrorist,
he said: 'always shine your light.'
Bob Marley sang loudly about the
Buffalo Soldier held by a chain,
a reflection of courage,
questioning whether to evolve or remain.
Like the lyrics of Libbe Siffre,
the higher you build your barriers,
the taller I become, this is who I am,
walking among the warriors.
I may have a quiet mind,
but you will never silence my tongue,
there is a snarl in my gentle eyes,
I keep proving bigots wrong.
Keep expressing my flawless scars
through the power of my ink,
softly swaying from page to page,
verses that make the ignorant think.
Brothers and sisters, just pause for a while,
we are not colonized minds,
despite their imperialistic prejudice,
we have to be kind to all kinds.
Trust the process of poetic words
and rediscover love for self belief,
even when they try to burn your pages,
rewrite to release your grief.
In times of oppression,
flow like waves onto pebbled shores,
When are you the happiest?
Tell them when they end their wars!
If weak winds rekindle flashbacks,
when you meet the eye of the storm,
against all forms of adversity,
stand strong in a proudly beautiful form,
so, don't shush me with antagonistic tones,
because my peace comes from within me,
as my pen was born to speak the
truth through powerful poetry.
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
I can’t breathe
still in my shackles
no chance to escape my isolation
cries of anguish emancipated
from an awareness that is unfree
the stain is but human made
a long history of human trade
Humanity dehumanised
and put to shame..
I can’t breathe
air is not for free
I have to pay the fee
the earth does not to me belong
It is not my right of birth
as if my breed had done something wrong!
for water, I have to dig wells and pits
as I am denied rivers, lakes and seas..
what shall I do to stay alive?
peel my skin!
for you to admire my drive?!
How would I,
hate, contempt, intolerance.. survive?!
I can’t breathe
deep are my roots
my heart, a mine of diamond
why don’t you see my immense wealth?!
why do you still confiscate my breath?!
and deprive my six and five
of a mundane dream and desire
of being decent and upright
why I have to pay a disastrous price?
my own flesh and blood a sacrifice!
I can’t breathe
Humanity still can’t breathe
a “house divided”
souls of shades moaning under sins weight
a sacred “eternal Truth” deafened
unfree souls kept pending
a body bleeding
a severe infection persisting
In need of breath, Love and Trust
I need to seal my chest bruises, heal my tortured soul
and regain my Oneness
my cause is just.
I can’t breathe
Long ago, a man named human had a dream
the emancipation spirit into his mind remained seared
“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”
in the promised Earth with a mine of Justice
“Justice, a reality for all of God’s children”..
Now, it is high time I won back my right
and freedom I could breathe
I have a mission beyond what you see of my skin
let me breathe and unveil the beauty within
I Can’t Breathe
A song of a poet
as peace deserted my mind
and ache resided in my heart
My words that couldn’t remain silent
flowed to reach your Hearts.
* My humble work is a voice I couldn't suppress and I wanted to share with my dear fellow poets and friends on Poetrysoup in the contest sponsored by Richard Lamoureux but couldn't compose it in time.
I was told that I should die, because of the color of my skin.
It didn’t matter what I thought or even what I believed in.
I just didn’t belong, there was no longer a place for me here.
I was told all whites must be killed and our end was drawing near.
I asked what I had done? Why did I deserve to die?
I was told it was from 400 years past and my life was just a lie.
I was responsible for slavery, all racism and his plight.
There was only one reason, it was just because I was white.
There is bigotry and hate in every single race.
I wish that I was wrong, but this is just simply not the case.
Our history is history, our past is gone and done.
We are all brothers and sisters and judged by only one.
I wish we all could love and know what comes in the end.
If there is hate in your heart, then you’re in trouble my friend.
I forgive all who hate me and may have done me wrong.
We are all God’s children and yes we all belong.
Sweet Spring begins, when you allow the fresh winds in.
Letting go of the pitter pat, of the feet of last winter’s cold,
and snowfall’s past.
Forgiving any and all, who you think did any harm to you.
Make a list of those who contributed to your life~ in the most
magnicent ways.
Weave them as bright, yellow dandelions into your sparkling,
new, bright days!
Don’t go running to strangers for a gold stamp of questionable
approval.
Too many are not as sweet as you, and need to be sent to the
a highway for removal.
Smile~ the way you create each day, does effect the entire world!
Choose truth, generosity, love and wrap them in iridescent swirls.
3-30-2025
~Be the magic you are~
Pangie
… after Langston Hughes
You know how they do. They say that
we run, that we fit descriptions, but justice
ain’t blind, she just sees who she wants. Is
it any wonder we hold our breath? A
body ain’t a body when they label it a threat. Blind
fold her, watch her peek, call her a goddess.
Watch her drop the scales. Watch how balance is
a myth chased between our nana’s prayers and a
judge’s gavel. They got this thing
for claiming fear while standing over bodies. To
serve, to protect—who? Which
way to run when history's got a knee pressed upon the we
aried? Red light, blue light, a flash, a name gone black.
Mothers wailing thru the street. We are
n’t new to this. My father knew. And his father wise.
Still, she won’t look. Her
hands steady but the bandage
doesn’t stop her from peeking. It hides
but we see it slip. MLK's two
Americas on display. Wounds keep festering
and this country born of scars and sores
struts like a wayward siren. That
same scream, same prayer, same fear. Once
we thought time might change things. Perhaps
we were fools to hope. Seems we were.
Though standing here. Still, we look her in the eyes.
###
Chains of Colonialism
With guns they came
With whips and chains
Chains to capture the Dark Continent
Chains snaking across Africa
Africa blessed by nature
Africa a precious jewel
Jewel coveted by imperialists
Jewel stained with blood
Blood of the disenfranchised
Blood of innocents
Innocents slaughtered
Innocents subjugated
Subjugated like cattle
Subjugated nonentities
Nonentities to colonial masters
Nonentities bowing to alien flags
Flags of oppression
Flags of exploitation and domination
Domination of inferiors
Domination of natural resources
Resources robbed
Resources nurtured with sweat and tears
Tears of those with no voices
Tears of those whipped and silenced
Silenced by superiority
Silenced by weapons and fear
Fear of foreign invaders
Fear of certain death
Death of ancient civilization
Death of treasured culture
Culture stripped and raped
Culture battered and fragmented
Fragmented destiny
Fragmented people
People crushed to the ground
People with no more sweet songs
Songs of freedom and happier times
Songs of nationalism
Nationalism and solidarity
Nationalism thwarted
Thwarted to divide and conquer
Thwarted to castrate minds and bodies
Bodies chained and beaten
Bodies killed for defiance
Defiance against injustice
Defiance against colonialism
Colonialism in the name of God
Colonialism in the name of kings
Kings
God
05-01-2016
Contest: Dig Deep - Race Relations - Conflicts - Colonialism
Sponsor: Marugo Mo
Placement: 2nd
I cry, I cry
Why does my skin color frighten you so?
Have I done anything, but, be born?
You judge me, from your own despair
and draw hate from demons you chose to hold,
allowing them to drain your soul,
as they lap with evil tongues your life's blood
leaving it a hollow husk,
that crumbles back into the dirt
My sorrow is not for me,
either is the tears that fall,
upon the same ground, we walk upon
I stretch an open hand, you slap it away in disgust
I reveal my heart, its kindness, you spit on it
I cry for you, for you are injured
and know not what you do
I'll pray for you, in quiet meadows
far from the wickedness of your sins
Where demons gnaw on your soul
I cry for you, I cry for you,
for you have chosen to inhabit the valley of death
I cry for you
8/15/17
Why do you give me a hard look from your face?
that you don't like what you see?
that I'm from a different race?
Why can't we see eye to eye?
why do I disgust you,
like you don't wanna be near me
would you please tell me?
tell me why you hate me?
Do you hate me because of the color of my skin?
like I'm a disease?
you don't think I have desires?
that I have needs?
We aren't from the same race,
but by soul,
we live in the same world.
You may think I'm nothing,
just push me into the mud,
knowing we both have the same colored blood.
You can't judge me by my appearance,
or by my race,
or even the color on my face.
Say what you want to say,
you can't judge me,
for I didn't choose to exist in the first place.
I cannot tolerate the ones with haloed head
Who boast of their achievements, put on an act instead.
I cannot tolerate the perfect, always right
Who claim to love their neighbour omitting black or white.
I cannot tolerate the ones who share your pack
Pretending to be helpful then stab you in the back.
I cannot tolerate the friends who pick your brain
Intent on infiltration determined to make gain.
I cannot tolerate the types who wish you well
They swear to loyal virtue, but then they kiss and tell.
I cannot tolerate the false and double-faced
They are the parasitic, their tongue with poison laced.
I cannot tolerate the guys who look for fights
They cause much harm while pleading the law to back their rights.
I cannot tolerate the tempters with their faith
They are the instigators, the ones who love to hate.*
They cannot tolerate my face, but I’m alright
My aim is to expose them, oppose with all my might.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Here I am referring to those who commit crimes and injustices in
the name of religion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16th June 2014
Contest: Tolerance
Sponsor Freddie Vee
The Color of Space
His spaceship alit on a foreign world
deep in the midst of the outer space
two moons gazing down devoid of all air
he kept his mask on and walked down the plank
opened the door to retreat from the hull
He was there for a purpose
for diplomacy’s sake
to seek a new race and find a new place
in hopes that they trade
since the earth needed more
an avatar sought
for the future of lore
The leader approached
his habiliment WHITE
and his face a pale GREEN
he exacted his speech
with authority and grace
I promise the cargo that you request
in the time that is due it will be our best
for our BLUE men work as we command
to produce what you need or they will be replaced
and another blue man will fill in the space
to satisfy your monthly needs
He gazed at the workers bedraggled with sweat
their uniforms worn not a word from their lips
he considered his quest and returned to his ship
He removed his mask and stared out of the hull
he pondered the planet that he will leave
A million miles from Earth and the stigma remains
he grabbed a BLACK towel and wiped his BROWN face
will MANS inhumanity to MAN ever change
RACISM, A DISASTROUS ELEMENT
I look at the world horrifically,
With depression and disgust,
As the masses enjoys in poverty
And fear.
I look at the world horrifically.
Every places, full of stratification,
And unlawful massacre of people.
Hmmm! What a cruel universe!
I look at the world horrifically.
Yesterday, raping and killing,
Today, racism,
Tomorrow, i guess something deadly and disastrous.
I look at the world horrifically.
Segregation among the whites,
Segregation among the blacks.
Weirdest part, segregation between the black and the whites.
I look at the world horrifically,
Stratification among the blacks, i called "tribalism ".
Hatred, i called among the whites.
Disunity rules.
I look at the world horrifically,
As our ancestors in great slumber.
With no hope of fortune.
Crying, segregation of the highest bidder.
Alimi Abdulkabir's Poetry
03/06/2020
Take Out the Landry
Dirty laundry for years on the floor
finally the dirt is out the door
Quebec is cleaning house
separatists being laid to graves
like Napoleonic mouse's
bury their rhetoric too
twelve feet deep
Wrinkled ex leader with
no musket or balls
no lead, leaderless
man of poisoned dreams
nationalist and king of hate
trumpets play for his distaste
if your wool is not pure
you do not belong on his shore
Villain as Lucifer or Lucien
robbing the people of their future
all for his midget delusions
now to be inhumed
in his own dirt
he will of course blame
the Chinese laundry mat
who lost his ticket
He is not to be interred
in red rags
honor will shed not one tear
where is his Nazi flag?
Boxed at Notre Dame
the church like Vichy
honors dictators and their clan
funerals they all say nice things
still
they toss out the laundry
as Canada sings
Only Toronto thanks him
for the prosperity