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Trapped In Privilege
Everyone likes to talk about the openly oppressed, the accused and the accuser,
But what about the black children forced into a life full of solitary confinement slapped with a label of privileged
You are white, enough
They cheered
Straighten my hair not for looks, and not for myself
But to blend in, be contained and quiet
Curly hair pinned and brushed beyond repair,
Sitting in the hairdressers while they lather concoctions to ‘keep those curls away, and to ‘tame the frizz’
Shunned from my aunties black owned hair salon
Look toward my brothers and sisters not as a one, but as a one - up, am I better than you simply because half my DNA says so?
White enough, they said
I sit at the high table, and wait for the queen to eat and I can’t help but let out a sigh of relief
For this life is bitter sweet, I argue only to myself
In front of a mirror in a multi-story home in an all-white gated community
That I don’t stray from.
The streets beyond might wake me, from a reverie so tight within my grasp
It is the realisation that I will never be white
I will always be just white enough
The winter a blessing for my skin to turn pale, yet my cheeks never rosy
Rose tinted glasses on a life so shallow and half lived, broken pathways of culture sprinkled on like the roses at the very end of a show
A performance so great it fooled everyone, or perhaps it is what I truly believe
I am, and always will be, just white enough.
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
Please use care (this is a sensitive subject for me, do not critique harshly)
Review Request (Direction):
How was my language use?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Comments
Geezer
Fri, 2022-10-07 15:37
I can see...
that the story here is full of angst and might be a troubled existence for someone sensitive to remarks about their heritage.
A very well written piece! Welcome to Neopoet! ~ Geezer.
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There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.
Rosewithoutthorns
Fri, 2022-10-07 17:07
Thank you!
Exactly what I was trying to convey! Thank you for the kind words, and introducing me to Neopoet. I hope this site helps me deepen my love for poetry :D
author commentGeezer
Sat, 2022-10-08 11:21
Here at Neo...
we are very much against disparagement of anyone's nationality, race and/or creed. It is against our policy and will be dealt with accordingly. We do not censor language, unless it is an obvious attack on a member. I hope that you will get advice that you can use and comments that will encourage you to stretch your imagination and enhance your abilities. ~ Geezer.
.
There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.
Mr joghe
Fri, 2022-10-07 17:44
The poet used imagery to
The poet used imagery to capture the feelings of the readers. Also painted the environment where the poet hails from.
Good write!
"Words are currency of ideas and have the power to change world. Ride your pen on the rough road."