Listen friend —
Word has it that censorship
alive and kicking in the 21st century
gags unpalatable books
so as not to offend good people’s ears.
What a caterwauling hullabaloo,
for we’re all offended!
I tell you, in this season of rage
where likability is a tradeable commodity,
my tongue is swollen
—an allergic reaction—
as I learn I’m likeable
when I’m cultured, nice and silent.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise,
for we live in the era of emojis.
I yearn, I yearn, for an honest conversation
to speak openly and trustingly
about things that make us human.
If not, then I’d rather swallow my tongue
than discuss weather.
Back to beauty—
Last night as I stood outside,
ten thousand rainbows careered around.
They swallowed all the darkness
as they lit the sky.
PS. This poem was first featured at Lit eZine. With the publisher’s permission, I’m sharing it here too. Because censorship takes many forms, and banning books is only one of them. And because “there is no history without Black history.”
PPS. Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash.
I felt all of this:
“I yearn, I yearn, for an honest conversation
to speak openly and trustingly
about things that make us human.
If not, then I’d rather swallow my tongue
than discuss weather.
Back to beauty—
Last night as I stood outside,
ten thousand rainbows careered around.
They swallowed all the darkness
as they lit the sky.”
Thank you for sharing it here, too. I needed to read this poem at this very moment.
What a beautiful poem, Khaya! The words are felt, and seen in mind’s eye.
Thank you for speaking your truth, Khaya. You give me courage and hope. 🙏🏻
Ah Khaya, my post today on Substack also touches on honest talk and the circles drawn around us preventing us from doing so… yes, it would be wonderful to have those honest conversations that are becoming more and more impossible….
Yes. These are scary times for expression, but the art persists.
You’re right on point Khaya. Our voice is all we have and that is one thing that “they” cannot take from us unless we allow them too. Powerful! 😍💖😊
Thank you Tre for receiving this poem. I’m happy it reached you at the right moment; there’s much going on in the world, right now…
There is. And you’re welcome. 🙏🏾🩵
Many thanks Lavinia for feeling and seeing these words.
Super happy to hear this Michele, thank you!
I’d call it synchronicity, except that the circles drawn around us are a great concern for most of us. We have to keep trying to have honest conversations. Global issues we face demand diverse perspectives and focused action. I’ll be checking out your Substack post.
You’re welcome and thank you for the inspiration.
Say that again! Art and the artist must persist…
Hey Kym, thank you and lovely to see you around. 🙂 <3 Let's give thanks for the right to speak our minds, a right hard-won by those who came before us!
I agree Khaya and you speak the truth my friend. You know, somehow you have been deleted from my feed. Of course, this has happened to several people. So happy to see you too. Take care my sistah! 🥰🙏🏼😍💖😁
Yes, this rings true. Thank you for reaffirming how ‘one voice can yet speak’ hugs
Social media makes it impossible to have an honest conversation.
I understand about disappearing from your feed; it happens to me too. Maybe it’s a WordPress bug. But i’m glad to connect again. Take care, my queen sister! 🙂
Thanks to you, too Laura. Much appreciated!
Indeed, it’s impossible. But to be fair, perhaps social media was not design for this purpose. Thanks Dawn for popping by.
Oh my sweet friend, continue to remain empowered and persevere with excellence as you always do. 🙏🏼 I appreciate you and you too remain vigilant and take care. Love, hugs, and lots of smooches Khaya! Cheers! 🥰🥂😘
I love this poem, Khaya. I love your defiance and outrage. We have to insist that our voices matter – that reason, responsibility, and truth matter. Even when it makes others uncomfortable.
<3
Thanks for reading, Diana. I appreciate your encouraging comment.