When the white man speaks...

by Poet on the Piano   Oct 11, 2017


When the white man
hears accusations of "privilege",
he throws two fists out,
rage-like fire in his bones
and defends the land he stole.

When the white man
watches people of color kneeling in protest,
he salutes the flag then draws his gun,
pretending inanimate objects are human.

When the white man
calls up the police with concern,
informing them how he fears for his life,
how colored men prowl his neighborhood
at night,
he doesn't forget to use the word "thug".

When the white man
sleeps, after tucking in his firearms,
he doesn't worry about ever being targeted.
After all,
he knows the power that he holds.
His skin is luminescent, clear

unlike

the dirt-colored ones.

    report violation
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Latest Comments

  • 6 years ago

    by Meena Krish

    This situation keeps playing like an endless song when will
    true freedom and unity be restored...? They say it is but really
    its not because there is a big difference and a big line crossed
    between two sets of people...well penned!

  • 7 years ago

    by BlueJay

    I have always loved your perspective in poems and once again, I feel as though you've hit the nail on the head with this one - which is incredibly heartbreaking to think about.

  • 7 years ago

    by Kitty Cat Lady

    It's a sorry state of affairs that skin colour is even a factor in this day and age ... but we all know it is. I recently read 'Small Great Things' by Jodi Picoult that portrays this very subject in such a profound way - just like your poem. Really well done! x
    =^.^=

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