Of Inter-Racial Marriage
By Elton Camp
Few topics from writing should be exempt
This one, perhaps, very few would attempt
To write on such a topic, some might scare
But I am old enough that I really don’t care
In this State years ago, you couldn’t choose
A marriage license authorities would refuse
A wedding of black and white you never saw
Because it was a violation of established law
Then awareness of civil rights came around
And the courts rightly struck such laws down
But bigoted social pressure was still in place
And it held such marriages to be a disgrace
“A white girl who’d marry a black is a whore.”
You heard stupid stuff like that and even more
Black father said, “Take a white for your wife
And that will surely bring an end to my life.”
It’s true that marriage is complicated at best
And racial differences will add to all the rest
It seems that prejudiced feelings now do fade
And to wed whom you want fewer are afraid
If some member of the KKK comes around
And sees this poem, for sure he will frown
Yet, a bigger concern does him now annoy:
“I certainly do hope my girl marries a boy.”
haiku:
a final lap---
the race ends before
crossing the finish line
limerick:
They finally took the marriage leap!
They said the vows they hoped to keep!
But while in bed
She acted dead!
He claimed he used his best techniques!
couplet:
They ran in circles on frozen ground
But when the marriage ends,....no winners crowned.......