Snow White

A white girls perspective in honor of Black History month...

Snow White

We dance our
Black and white dance
I see your sideways glance
As we walk by
How you stare from
The corner of your eye

What is wrong?
You think we don't belong
Together
Because of the color of our skin
You think it is a sin
I don't think we have come as far
As I would've hoped

Its worse from African sisters
And old boy misters
But even those
I think wouldn't oppose
Surprise me with their judging glance
As we do our dance

Your Dark hand intertwined
The Snow white one's mine
My eyes get misty
Sometimes it feels like 1960

Reviews

[Tom]

A beautifully penned, free flowing poem and sadly racism still exists today in modern society, though your fine writing does much to highlight its folly and fickle nature....delightful indeed and so thoroughly creative !

[Jennesis]

Thanks Tom! I've been surprised by the reaction in a world where I surround myself with people who are open and kind. The racism still was a shock, though it probably shouldn't have been. :(

[J. K. Beach]

Your words are timely, though it would be nice if they never needed to be said again.

I have a cousin whose lily white breast comforts an adorable little black face. My extended family, conservative, but not overly so, still they surprised me by the ardor of their affection for this laughing little boy. These products of the dance you so eloquently describe have it even harder still... another 1960 prejudice that is hard to dispel.

I like the floating rhyme you have constructed and, like a reviewer below, find the lines: "Your Dark hand intertwined/The Snow white one's mine..." especially well penned. Excellent work here!

[Jennesis]

jK, thank you so much for your review. It's appreciated.

[Zahra]

this is really beautiful. great message ....

[Jennesis]

Thanks so much Zahra!

[Chris]

The form, rhythm, and flow are nice.

As a comment - socially, you can always make an argument over what you perceive taking place in a public forum. But that same perception is also flavored by your own societal views and personal reactions and expectations. Realistically, racism has, does, and likely will always - exist... its a societal dynamic that differences (both real and imagined) will always be perceived and at a minimum weighed (unconsciously or even very consciously) - physical appearance (including dress, characteristics, and personal attributes), socio-economic, linguistic tones and patterns, and personal religious practices and beliefs will always be perceived and "that" likely will remain so - everywhere. It's about differences and how individuals AND groups deal AND the level of "angers" and frustrations in each individual's perception multiplied by group anonymity and the ongoing social dynamic.

Being aware of how we form and what personal view we use to base our own perceptions upon requires that we know and understand our selves and our personal history - and not all that many people DO understand or really know themselves do they?

[Jennesis]

Hi Chris~ Thank you so much for the thoughtful review. Yes, we all have our own lenses we see the world through, not always accurate or insightful, but ours nonetheless, shaped by our experiences on this earth. I agree that people often don't do a great job of self-reflecting and tend to externalize, when what is needed is a high powered self-reflection session. Thanks again for your thoughts~

[....................]

It is easy to see that you have been writing for a long time. The flow is beautiful!

[Jennesis]

Awwww, thanks FT!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your lines dance in a magical formation...this is exquisite work, Jennesis! Lovely name, too.


My best,
Kelly

[Jennesis]

What a compliment Kelly! Thank you so much.

[BL]

Great work and well worked lines, nice intertwine

[Jennesis]

Thanks so much B

[Brave girl]

Lovely write,it certainly holds a great message.. your sweet,caring and intrestingpersonnality shines through this peice..thank you for sharing this...great ink!

[Jennesis]

Thanks Brave Girl...

[Brave girl]

Anytime :D .. and thanks for calling me that,its been quite a while since anyone had called me that,so i appreciate it

[A. Amos]

Such a well written piece of art, truly enjoyed the read!

[Jennesis]

Wow so sweet A.Amos, thank you so much~

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome...

[stars are far]

that was very beautiful and your try of demolishing this rassicm in this world is wonderful. And to be honest i dont know alot about 1960's though I believe at that time love was pure, not like these days.
This was wonderful work :)

[Jennesis]

Thanks stars ! Appreciate it.