Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?

by RuNett Nia Ebo.

Lord, Lord,
Why did You make me Black?
Why did You make me someone
the world wants to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes;
the color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
the color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips,
a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone
who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of a bruised eye
when somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.

How come my bone structure’s so thick;
my hips and cheeks are high?  
How come my eyes are brown 
and not the color of daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin
and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand;
what is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
and not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed,"
when others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.
Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
and I know this just isn't right.
They don't like my hair or the way I look.
They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, don't You think it's time
for You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation
and make everyone the same?

 (and- God answered )

Why
did I make you Black?   
Why did I make you Black?


Get off your knees; look around. 
Tell me, what do you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness.  
I made you in the likeness of Me


I made you the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil;
the Black gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth
that can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's
known for (her) beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion,
a majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness.

I made you in the Likeness of Me !
                                                                         
All the colors of the Heavenly Rainbow
can be found throughout every nation;
and when all those colors were blended well;
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION
!                    

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool;
such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight sky.
I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain;
that's the reason your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed

when I send my strongest weather
I made your lips full, so when you kiss; 

the one that you love...will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick 

to withstand the burdens of time.
That reflection you see in the mirror...
the Image that looks back is MINE 


© 1994 written by  RuNett Nia Ebo
Poet of Purpose
When you need a gift card and don't have time to run around.

Original copyrighted poem used with permission of the author.

2 comments:

  1. The expression of pain and beauty...O how the soul craves for mere understanding...beautiful done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. O black beauty
    Be proud of your purity
    Of your greatness and perfection
    For you are an image of the one
    Who's most beautiful!

    ReplyDelete