To those fixed on white,
White is white,
To those fixed on black,
It is the same,
And red is red,
Yellow, yellow-
Surely there are such sights
In the many colored world,
Or in the mind.
The strange thing is that
These people never see themselves
Or you, or me.
Are they not in their minds?
Are we not in the world?
This is a curious blindness
For those that are color blind.
What queer beliefs
That men who believe in sights
Disbelieve in seers.
O people, if you but used
Your other eyes
You would see beings.
Leave a guest comment (subject to review)
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
-
very nice
This is simple yet deep. The poet has very nicely convinced the reader about a very unique concept of mediation. Something that one cannot understand with the help of his or her senses could only be perceived through mediation. A very nice poem indeed. -
Given the background of this writer it is good that he could feel able to write a poem such as this.
Many in our so-called tolerant society could learn from his words. -
From guest Cori Bocley (contact)
wow,how do you come away from th is and not see the the meaning of something as care a day. it give you pause to read words that are so very deep and heart felt and know that it was written years before my mother was born and still see that 'curious blindlness' today. what a sad nation we are to come so far ans still be nowhere. I really love this poem a sad eye openner. thank for sharing . Cori -
I am sorry, but I saw this poem saying that we must open our mind's eye when looking at the world we live in.
This very spiritual writing is reminiscent of Ella Wheeler
Wilcox, a superb artisan of this medium.(absolutely no offense intended)
As regarding others interpretation of this poem, "...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".
Please forgive me if I have totally missed the mark here!
John-LasVegas
-
such a powerful poem with so few words needed to express your thoughts and feelings. People. I don't think there will ever be a time when prejudice does not rule the world. We worry about other countries when our own prejudice of our own neighbors kill ourselves more than any war could ever do. It is a shame we were not all born blind for only then would we realize that life is the same for all if given the same chances. Very well written, Victoria Lin
-
Beautiful poem with a great message. Funny I was just listening to a message on prejudice from church.
-
I don't usually read old poetry because I feel funny talking to people who actually can't read what I respond. But I really liked this and I think it was pretty insightful.
~*Destiny*~ -
I get where all of you're coming from with the racism issue... but to me Mr.Toomer was really portraying that we create our own reality... and what we see might be different than what others see when looking at the same thing. The fact that reality is altered by perception is becoming increasingly apparaent in this day and age of brain scans and other high-tech gadgets. I think it's interesting that such foresight existed in the 1800's.
Thankyou Mr. Toomer! -
Deep. Yeah, I have more to say. This poem could probably be interpreted in many ways, but I see it as speaking about stereotypes and grouping people in general, not just in race. The last stanza is great, but I also enjoy the last two lines of the second stanza. This is a very interesting piece and very well done.
There arent any big words, fancy rhyming, or elaborate imagery, but the idea that it delivers makes all the others unnecessary.
Good Poem!
Edited on Jul 28, 10:01 p.m. because 'typos... oops'. -
It's a sad thing that anything has to be written about the colour of people's skin at all. Like Tina I can also feel proud
that I have not let my own feelings and beliefs be taken over by hate and predujice.
The last 3 lines of this poem could be used to wake people up to their 'tunnel vision' view on people.
Look beyond into the eyes and the soul - there is no colour there but a beating heart, that can break, hurt and bleed.
Superb piece by Jean Toomer.
Von
-
Interesting way to begin. Indeed, those fixed opinions will see what they are programmed to see. Interpretation is flawed when ignorance brews, hate brews. There are so many different colors within each single color, we all must learn to look within and see ALL those colors and not just the most distinct one. When people are so consumed by ignorance they can’t see the flaw in themselves, instead they usually place themselves on a pedestal and look down on those around them.
This poem honestly made me feel proud of myself for not allowing my mind to succumb to hate and ignorance like so many people I know. Every person, no matter what color or ethnic origin, is special, and you will lose out if you close your mind to the special qualities of all individuals. I was raised in a mainly white, suburb, southern town full of racist people. My parents taught me to love everyone and I always have. Color never mattered to me. It is part of who we are, but it shouldn’t condemn anyone, it should be a symbol of a beautiful heritage. This piece evoked feelings of compassion toward those who have dealt with racism and struggle through it on a daily basis. We are all separate, but we are all part of the same whole and if someone can’t learn to accept that, it’s their loss!
I have read this poem 4 times, and I honestly can say I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s not like the poet can anyway, right? So, I like this as it is and I enjoyed reading.
-
Wonderful sentiments by the great Jean Toomer.
Here's another quote, "black women are exquisite butterflies, trapped in an evil honey, toiling away, while others look at them as mules of the world..." Thank you so much for supporting this Harlem Renaissance poet.
I use these words in narration in a play called "Rhythms of the Renaissance".
Thanks Again,
Renee
Edited on Jul 23, 10:07 p.m. because ''. -
This is a wonderful poem in its simplicity but says so much at the same time about a serious issue ...well done
-
I like this. It is a very unique way of confronting the issuse or racism. I give you props for just approching the issue, considering how most people look at it. Good job.
-
This has such an awesome point to it. I wish more could see it. So knowing me I will post it in my journal or something. I love this. Sounds like a new motto for me
Oleander Dragon
-
this is a really awesome poem! it tackless racism and sterotypes head on! good for you, cause i know, for one, i'm getting really sick of everybody worry bout what color they are! you should be liked for you not the color of your skin!
Adding your comment:
1 - 15 of 15
