deepundergroundpoetry.com
Ignorance (the wall that lies between us)
They were far too different from us,
that’s why we had to build the wall.
"A bunch of lousy criminals,
Who rape and kill and break the law."
“It just isn’t American!
Their skin is much too tan!
They speak a foreign language
That we can’t understand.”
And so we built a wall between us,
To separate ourselves from them.
But little did we know,
That our minds were closing in.
For what we thought to be so different
Was very much the same,
But with a different color,
Called by a different name.
that’s why we had to build the wall.
"A bunch of lousy criminals,
Who rape and kill and break the law."
“It just isn’t American!
Their skin is much too tan!
They speak a foreign language
That we can’t understand.”
And so we built a wall between us,
To separate ourselves from them.
But little did we know,
That our minds were closing in.
For what we thought to be so different
Was very much the same,
But with a different color,
Called by a different name.
Published 16th Jan 2019
Author's Note
This poem was written for a poetry competition entitled "Tear down the wall", pertaining to the wall that Trump is trying to build along the southern border between Mexico and the United States.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 13
reading list entries 1
comments 22
reads 731
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
16th Jan 2019 1:14pm
Really great write i dig👏
I love the ending and agree very much
"For what we thought to be so different
Was very much the same,
But with a different color,
Called by a different name."
Love this so profoundly true
Great piece!
I love the ending and agree very much
"For what we thought to be so different
Was very much the same,
But with a different color,
Called by a different name."
Love this so profoundly true
Great piece!
16th Jan 2019 3:24pm
Thanks Hunter! I usually try not to write about politics, but I figured I'd give the competition a shot, so late last night I came up with this. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Anonymous
16th Jan 2019 1:40pm
I keep seeing a quote lately that reads something to the effect of "Instead of a giant wall between us and Mexico, we need to build a giant mirror so we can really look at ourselves." It's the different that makes us all so beautiful. Shallow and narrow minds...it's disheartening. Great write! Best of luck in the comp. :-)
16th Jan 2019 3:50pm
I had not heard that one, but the mirror idea has my vote, heh. I think fear is a big driving factor behind this wall. Americans are insecure, and unreasonably overprotective of their values. With someone telling us
that a bunch of criminals are storming the barrier, coming to steal our jobs and our taxpayer dollars, combined with the underlying fear of culture loss due to cultural appropriation, Americans feel like they're under attack. It's fear-mongering at its finest, perpetuated by a political puppet show that is playing out before our eyes.
Thanks for your compliments and good wishes, FromTheAsh!
that a bunch of criminals are storming the barrier, coming to steal our jobs and our taxpayer dollars, combined with the underlying fear of culture loss due to cultural appropriation, Americans feel like they're under attack. It's fear-mongering at its finest, perpetuated by a political puppet show that is playing out before our eyes.
Thanks for your compliments and good wishes, FromTheAsh!
16th Jan 2019 1:54pm
16th Jan 2019 3:59pm
Thanks for stopping by again, SnuggleBuck! I appreciate the compliment, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
16th Jan 2019 2:49pm
16th Jan 2019 4:00pm
16th Jan 2019 6:04pm
It is a pity really,what happening in American;used to inspire many nations with the way of life but now begs the question "if that is greatest,do I want it?" Nay!
Thought Provoking and honest read.
Xo!
Thought Provoking and honest read.
Xo!
17th Jan 2019 1:24am
Hi Sanaa. Thanks for your input on the matter and for taking the time to read and comment :)
17th Jan 2019 5:40am
Very good poem and true to times. It's sad what america has become.
I didn't know there is a competition on this subject, my prose I guess has similar ideas to the theme but a different take, thank you for commenting on my piece earlier, I appreciate it.
I didn't know there is a competition on this subject, my prose I guess has similar ideas to the theme but a different take, thank you for commenting on my piece earlier, I appreciate it.
17th Jan 2019 5:47am
Thank you, Layla, for taking the time to read this and provide feedback. You're a wonderful poetess as well, you know :)
17th Jan 2019 7:38am
It is amazing how people forget that we are all just humans. Good, bad, we are the same. I have no problem with defense, but when people are seeking help we should help the needy and keep out true criminals. Unfortunately there is just too much ignorance and hatred disguised as justice.
17th Jan 2019 2:32pm
Amen to that, DevilsChild. Unfortunately, ignorance and segregation are an inevitable part of human nature.
Thank you for the read and comment!
Thank you for the read and comment!
17th Jan 2019 7:30pm
17th Jan 2019 7:37pm
Anonymous
- Edited 21st Sep 2020 1:45pm
18th Jan 2019 8:02am
<< post removed >>
19th Jan 2019 2:53am
21st Jan 2019 10:27pm
This is incredibly insightful and profound -- thank you for giving our poetic community more to reflect upon in these difficult times.
22nd Jan 2019 00:09am
Thanks, Muse! I'm so glad that you enjoyed and related with this one. And thank you for the feedback and support :)
https://soundcloud.com/ricardo-de-s-837859435/isnt-american
https://soundcloud.com/ricardo-de-s-837859435/isnt-american
https://soundcloud.com/ricardo-de-s-837859435/isnt-american
22nd Jan 2019 7:18pm
It means a lot to me that I inspired you enough to want to do your own thing with it. Again, thanks so much. It is humbling, and it's interesting to see your own spin on it. I had never envisioned it as a song :)
