Black Ivory Souls

Black Ivory Souls

A Poem by redzone
"

...true story

"
Black Ivory Souls

It was “back in the day”
when black and white
was only allowed as piano keys.
To be attracted or in love,
was taboo
and yet for a short time
we laughed and smiled,
even dared to dance
black and ivory
skin to skin.
~~~
I wish I could have been bolder
back when
everything was changing.
But we both had our fears
and so just decided to be friends.
I always wondered 
what would have been;
where you went?
Did you too fight, like me
to make revolution
to put an end to bigotry?
~~~
Listening to this song
brought back 
in a flashing flood
how we giggled
at our first, nervous
lips touching
pounding blood kiss.
Black ivory,
world stopping
Ivory black souls
melting into one another.
And we knew 
it would be our last.
~~~
I wish I could have been
more courageous
back then J.J.

~~~redzone 10.7.14

© 2014 redzone


Author's Note

redzone
thanks for reading...
it was back in 10th grade 1963...
captcha: ableness... this is a poem where fear trumped ableness, sadly


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Reviews

memories often have a way of bringing the what-if's with them... times when we shoulda, coulda, woulda done something we didn't have the courage or resolve to see through.. mine was a crush I had that I never approached.. come to find out years later, he had a crush on me too.. we were both too shy to talk to each other.. another lovely piece.. exquisite flow that danced along with the music beautifully.. I love the comparison in the imagery... vivid and moving.. has a sweet, nostalgic feel to it... awesome writing as usual..

Posted 9 Years Ago


redzone

9 Years Ago

Thanks April, sorry you missed (and him too) the chance... I think the distance between earth and th.. read more
AprilRN1210

9 Years Ago

It was my pleasure and I'm glad you did:D
Back then it just wasn't accepted...though in 1969 during race riots in my high school a black friend saved me. We were as close as we were allowed to be back then. Even if we are able, it is difficult to buck society....it is more difficult for a teenager. Great song to accompany your honest emotional memories here. What became of JJ? Makes one wonder if she still remembers that kiss....and the man who melted into her as she melted into him all those years ago. We witnessed a lot of change back then....but perhaps some of it was too little too late. I can not even tell you this is a "nice" one, Curt....it is moving, touching, and one I identify with. Lydi**

Posted 9 Years Ago


This is so beautiful. As a product of such love , I thank you....for making me feel like a treasure and not a secret sin.

Posted 9 Years Ago


redzone

9 Years Ago

dear sweet Kat Leila, you are a treasure!!! Please, never allow anyone to tell you or make you feel .. read more
A great poem with a message of unity and love and hope for the future. Things are changing … I live in Vancouver … and we are such a melting pot … my son goes to a preschool where there many faiths and skin colours represented. Right now he is over the moon smitten with a girl of mixed-heritage and there is no one to tell him no. Here's to a beige world;)

Posted 9 Years Ago


This poem was great. Takes me back to my school days when some situations were hidden but shouldn't have been. I really enjoyed this today.

Posted 9 Years Ago


redzone

9 Years Ago

thanks Will,... listening to this song and remembering, also has reminded me of the saying, "the mor.. read more
Some songs can bring those wonderful memories and the challenges we all had growing up in certain times and societies. This one did such that to the narrator... No one can take that from us...An excellent one...

Posted 9 Years Ago


redzone

9 Years Ago

I learned alot from this "not being more bold and courageous" Sami, it has continued to fuel my desi.. read more
Sami Khalil

9 Years Ago

I understand. You are welcome...:).......................
This poem gave me goosebumps. This is so passionate, so beautiful, so wonderful. I wish you could find out what happened to her.

Posted 9 Years Ago


redzone

9 Years Ago

just might this coming Sept. HS reunion and perhaps she will come and I can say HI, catch up. I know.. read more

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Added on October 8, 2014
Last Updated on October 8, 2014

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redzone
redzone

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