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Poetry On Odyssey: Black Enigma

The following poem is about ridicule that some black people have received from others for their behavior or personality.

Nakita Kira Tsunami

Apr 24, 2019

Illinois State University

Lupita Nyong'o

Black

has many implications

Many definitions

It is a shade

It is a color

It is a descriptive word

That also defines a race

It is the word

used to described

changes

in pigmentation

person to person

It is a word

depict an image in one's mind

You say black

I think the night

That pitch blackness

Of a fresh night sky

Full of stars

Enveloped by moon light

You say black

I think about

That hidden spot

In everyone's soul

Holding precious secrets

And unknown sadness

I think

beautiful chocolate skin

That spreads across lands

Islands

Continents

I think of my people

But some of my people

Aren't seeing

What I'm seeing

They're minds

Are caught up

They see me

And don't see my dark skin

They see

White

White hair

White clothes

White talk

White tendencies

They don't see me

Or my blackness

Our blackness

They see my actions

My interests

My thoughts

But not as

Rather

They protest me

Meet me with quarrels

and quarries

of Why do you act white?

Why don't you act black?

hm...

I'm not sure

What they mean

I wake up every morning

And I see black staring back at me

I walk to class and can ONLY

See how different I am

From Everyone

I wish to feel a connection

With the those more like me

Instead I'm estranged from even them

My people

So I'm not Black

By their definition

So there's still a them

And there's a me

So I'll continue

roaming the campus

A Black Enigma

Belonging nowhere

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Poetry On Odyssey: Black Enigma

The following poem is about ridicule that some black people have received from others for their behavior or personality.

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Here are just a few of those things.

Take the time to thank that one friend in your life you will never let go of.

1. Thank you for being the one I can always count on to be honest.

2. Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

3. Thank you for teaching me what real love feels like.

4. Thank you for always making sure I'm safe.

5. Thank you for going through things with me.

6. Thank you for teaching me to take care of myself.

7. Thank you for going out of your way to make me feel supported.

8. Thank you for always being there to back me up, even when you know I'm wrong.

9. Thank you for constantly pushing me to live up to my potential.

10. Lastly, thank you for making such a huge impact on my life.

It sucks, but you’ll make it through

1. Please just be seasonal allergies

2. I must not have gotten enough sleep last night

3. I’ll just take a little nap

4. Oh no, I have so much due tomorrow!

5. I’m fine, I’ll just sleep it off

6. Do I have to be responsible today?

7. Ugh no, I can’t actually be sick

8. Alright, I’ll take some medicine and I’ll be fine

9. This is the worst day of my life

10. Mom?

11. She was right (like always)

12. Too bad you're busy and can’t take the day off tomorrow

13. You think about taking the day off, but realize you have like three tests

14. You think you're actually going to be sick forever

15. Finally, you're better!

Sleepovers are not a thing. They're just not.

1. You only ask things once.

2. Seriously, you only ask once.

3. When you do muster up the courage to ask your parents for something, you creep around and wait until they’re in a good mood.

4. Before you get that final yes, you have to go through an interview.

5. If you ever got “the eye,” you knew you were screwed.

6. You were always the first to leave your group of friends when hanging out.

7. If you say you will be home at a certain time, you better be home at that time.

8. Seeing a missed call from your parents sends fear and horror through your veins.

9. If relatives are coming over to the house, your room better be clean.

10. You are careful about what jokes you share with your parents.

11. "You’re not an adult until you turn 18! You can do whatever you want then!"

12. If plans change while you’re out, you better text or call.

13. Don’t talk back. Ever.

14. When you’re called by your full name, you’re in deep trouble.

15. Don’t make them call your name twice.

16. Sleepovers are not a thing.

17. Despite all of these things, you know your parents love you.

For better or for worse

1. Pets

2. Mornings

3. Mistakes

4. Cooking for yourself

5. Hosting

6. Taking care of yourself

7. Holidays

8. Roommates

9. Keeping focused and getting stuff done

10. Cleaning

11. Social life

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