BINARY IS BLIND
White is pure, black is not
Lessons from the west, taught subtly
From colours binary, but why
White should be the good guy, who knows.
Sure winters’ frosty sky brings snow
Then carpets of Spring snowdrops grow.
Virgin white bride’s veil flows
Though most of her guests know – she’s not!
Peace doves may coo, but shit
On lilies, their purity stained
Defiled, perhaps blackened?
Black borders for those mourned in prayer,
Black ties and clothes they wear.
Respect the dead? But where’s respect
For human skins’ gamut
From off-white to perfect ink black?
Selling creams to bleach dark
Skin to paleness is sickening,
A snake oil creation.
Night sky’s backdrop, molten blackness
Throws stars sparkling clusters
On earth, their light whispers, gives us
A plethora of noirs,
Mystic, nuanced, we are sleepy
Velvet soft, slub silky,
Beds beckon dreamily, nature’s balm
For pain and angst, to calm grief, anger.
Tucked in the warm to snooze.
Each colour skin looks beautiful
Each soul is meaningful, easy bruised.
Love colour’s broader hues and thwart
Racist views. Black lives do matter!
Mairi Jack
