What is White

©copyright 2009 Bonita M Quesinberry

What is this thing called 'white'?

A label that some put on a person, 

some call a color right?

Why, truth is, it is no color at all! 

As a child, I saw you

in pain when hosed down with too great a force.

And, I was crying, too; 

because, to me, I just saw your beauty. 

As a teen, I heard songs 

only you could give rhythm and meaning;

but, they called your sound wrong.

I was crying with you, even then, too.

As adults, we heard shots,

then wept with you again for Martin King,

and thought, white man shall rot 

in the hell he has created for you. 

I've never understood

inequality over a color 

mixed of shades found in wood:

as we all are many. 

I know I am not white,

for I've several nationalities

of many colors bright. 

Yet, many dare to call me white and right.

Last year, I heard you speak 

and thought, you would be the right President.

Then you ran, never weak; 

and I thought, you will be the President. 

Now ev'rything is right,

yet still there be white made of confusion 

instead of seeing Light.

I can't understand, for all are one blood.

* * * 

You Fools! Did you not know Jesus was black?