deepundergroundpoetry.com
SIGNIFICANT
It was a time when the surface colour
Of a man's skin was more significant
Than the colour of his eyes or his tie
More significant than the type of car
He drove or his football team colours
Guided by ancient lights in those eyes
To this lake whence humanity sprung
A tectonic fault a fracture of blue Nile
In Gihon after manfall angelfall all fell
Our wise ones said it matters not how
Often we fall so long as we rise again
Fortitude a river
So named for its dangerous floods
Another was called Patience for it was
Synonymous with pain
A goat skin bustle of sparks incendiary
Drum dancers calabash to the maganda
And make aliyah to the All-Mother Africa
Waters washing spine splashing her belly
Pregnant with tomorrows not a meanness
That the pall shadows pour shade on today
What of fires of oil seen
From the aircraft window
I loved in an age when a man's skin colour
Was more significant than what he deserved
His rights his knowledge or what he aspired to
Bright as Fire
Was my birth name
It means though I burn
I bring a light by which others see
*Written for AEMelia's ancestors comp
Of a man's skin was more significant
Than the colour of his eyes or his tie
More significant than the type of car
He drove or his football team colours
Guided by ancient lights in those eyes
To this lake whence humanity sprung
A tectonic fault a fracture of blue Nile
In Gihon after manfall angelfall all fell
Our wise ones said it matters not how
Often we fall so long as we rise again
Fortitude a river
So named for its dangerous floods
Another was called Patience for it was
Synonymous with pain
A goat skin bustle of sparks incendiary
Drum dancers calabash to the maganda
And make aliyah to the All-Mother Africa
Waters washing spine splashing her belly
Pregnant with tomorrows not a meanness
That the pall shadows pour shade on today
What of fires of oil seen
From the aircraft window
I loved in an age when a man's skin colour
Was more significant than what he deserved
His rights his knowledge or what he aspired to
Bright as Fire
Was my birth name
It means though I burn
I bring a light by which others see
*Written for AEMelia's ancestors comp
Published 22nd Nov 2016
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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22nd Nov 2016 10:55am
26th Nov 2016 3:07am
22nd Nov 2016 12:38pm
26th Nov 2016 3:08am
Thanks for that PS - reading it again now not sure it's not two poems rather than one but gonna leave it as it is
22nd Nov 2016 3:42pm
To be certain, i feel that lineage frequently impacts, and shapes an individual's life--both positively, negatively....but invariably with opportunities by which lessons can be learned...wisdom gained....if only one is able to develop an open mind.
Whale, your piece made me think of the legendary Phoenix...rising strong from the ashes. Mo Chara, it would seem as if you, too, share the wisdom of your predecessors....to continue to rise up in strength ....
This piece resonates on a personal level for me.....soo deeply. And as always, you share not only your gift of poetry with us, but the insight of your ink as well.
May your guiding light continue to shine......
Sioch`ain leat!
Whale, your piece made me think of the legendary Phoenix...rising strong from the ashes. Mo Chara, it would seem as if you, too, share the wisdom of your predecessors....to continue to rise up in strength ....
This piece resonates on a personal level for me.....soo deeply. And as always, you share not only your gift of poetry with us, but the insight of your ink as well.
May your guiding light continue to shine......
Sioch`ain leat!
26th Nov 2016 3:09am
these are kind words indeed my dear enchantress for yours is an ancient path and people
22nd Nov 2016 5:52pm
This is amazingly beautiful, Brother.
You've pulled from the genesis effect through blood evolution, not just of the physical, but the emotional attachments so associated with sight and conflicts of circumstance stemming from products of environments. There seems to be a pendulum effect that swings back and forth between acceptance and rejection until it finally stops in the middle and negates difference and separation. Our world swings on the weight of adult influences upon children - who, for the most part, are ignorant of any color of skin, and seem quite happy to associate with anyone.
I look forward to the day the pendulum stops completely - and our heritage, ancestors, and descendants celebrate unity and ONENESS with each other. Cut your palm - the blood is the same - remove the skin and so is the heart and soul-essence, which is the light you refer to in the final stanza. The one that you shine for others; and when one shines brightly nothing else can be seen but that shining.
Loved this. Well done.
You've pulled from the genesis effect through blood evolution, not just of the physical, but the emotional attachments so associated with sight and conflicts of circumstance stemming from products of environments. There seems to be a pendulum effect that swings back and forth between acceptance and rejection until it finally stops in the middle and negates difference and separation. Our world swings on the weight of adult influences upon children - who, for the most part, are ignorant of any color of skin, and seem quite happy to associate with anyone.
I look forward to the day the pendulum stops completely - and our heritage, ancestors, and descendants celebrate unity and ONENESS with each other. Cut your palm - the blood is the same - remove the skin and so is the heart and soul-essence, which is the light you refer to in the final stanza. The one that you shine for others; and when one shines brightly nothing else can be seen but that shining.
Loved this. Well done.
26th Nov 2016 3:11am
cut your palm out bloods the same - and clasp hands as sisters and brothers - is there anything else that makes sense - is their a saner truth than this
Much appreciated Sister
Much appreciated Sister
22nd Nov 2016 10:58pm
26th Nov 2016 3:12am
