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Best Poems Written by Dana Black

Below are the all-time best Dana Black poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

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Details | Dana Black Poem

Black Like Me

Brothers do you hate me
Because you’re black like me
And when you look in the mirror
It is me you see

You appear to forget
And instead reject
Your uncle’s cousin’s brother
Could be related to my mother

But still you insist
Those other girls are prettiest
With their long flowing hair
And skin so fair

What does it really mean
The fact that you want to be seen
With her on your arm
Do you think it gives you charm

Look at my chick, I’m flossin’
I bet all the guys say I’m awesome
Men put her on a pedestal
But I won, she’s my gold medal

No, it’s not my business
Who you decide to be with
You loving another race
Some say it’s a slap in my face

But believe me, that’s not my issue
I’m not crying at night, pulling up tissue
I too can get down with the swirl 
Unlike you though, they think I’m a pearl

The difference between you and me
Hatin’ on you is not my duty
When I choose to go to the other side
I won’t throw shade and show you my backside
Because when I look in the mirror I love what I see
I never allowed society to dictate to me
That beauty doesn’t look like me

Copyright © Dana Black | Year Posted 2015



Details | Dana Black Poem

All Eyes Are On Me

I walk into the store 
She comes to greet me
Can I help you miss 
Is there anything you'd like to see?    
No, just looking  
Too early to decide  
But I'll let you know 
When the time arrives. 

Those red bottoms are cute 
Or maybe the boots
What could I wear them with 
Perhaps a suit?        

Here she comes   
Watching me like a hawk 
Standing next to me, rearranging socks.  

What about the others 
The daughter and mother 
The soccer mom over there
They're not receiving the same glare.
I can clearly see  
All eyes are on me.

Look at those earrings 
Silver and gold 
The perfect accessory 
To add a little bling.  

And....she's back
Just won't let me be 
Buzzing around 
Like a little bee.

Maybe I'm being paranoid, imagining things
I guess it's okay 
If she recounts the rings.

Perhaps I'll test my theory 
Go to the middle of the store.
If she follows me again 
I'll know for sure.
Check out those sweaters  
Perfect for this weather. 
Just choose a color 
Meanwhile, she'll bug the girl's mother. 

The gray one or the blue   
My closet's aching for something new    
But before I can make up my mind   
Coming in from behind
Once again I see - 
All eyes are on me.                                       

Girl, don't let it get to you                   
Get yo shop on!
Retail therapy never hurt anyone.        

The sweaters must need re-folding 
Is she worried about the clothes I'm holding?  
Does she think I'll stuff them in my purse  
This shopping while black thing is a real curse.

Some would question 
Why do I care?
If I'm not guilty 
It shouldn't matter how they treat me.   
But is it right 
To be presumed a thief on sight?
Every shopping spree 
All eyes are on me.

Copyright © Dana Black | Year Posted 2014

Details | Dana Black Poem

I Said, You Said

Race -
Did it start the big debate, in 2008?

He’s not my president 
Show me his papers.
Why don’t we impeach him 
Silence all the haters.

Take back our country 
Those thieves took it.
Yes we can!
Tea Partiers have a plan.

Fox News or Msnbc 
Which one defines me?
If I tell you my truth 
Will you corner me in a booth?

Take off that turban.
What are you hiding in that Suburban?
Blow yourself up and go to heaven 
72 virgins, or is it 77?

Go back to where you came from and leave us be 
To be free,
Where I can be me,
Live my dreams,
Not fear you’ll punish me.

But who said this is your home 
Where were your grandparents born?
Did they arrive on Ellis Island 
Travel from the Highlands?

Maybe they worked the plantations 
Or lived on reservations?
40 acres and a mule 
Un-kept promises, your rule.

That email you sent was funny.
But should I be offended 
Tell you not to re-send it?
The use of the “N” word
Thank goodness no one heard.
But why is it okay when he says it
No one labels him a racist.

Good cop bad cop 
On your knees!
Please don’t shoot, officer -
They’ll say you profiled me.

A nation divided 
Our opinions two sided.
Everything about race,
Case by case,
Judging me by my face.

Will there ever come a time 
When we can both stand in line?
Neither the two disapproving
Wouldn’t that be moving?

Copyright © Dana Black | Year Posted 2014


Book: Shattered Sighs