My sweet friend…you know, Ral, I am not sure where you live, but in the States, racism has erupted so violently during Covid, I was not sure if racism has been silent for most recent decades yet ever present as an undercurrent or are politicians using it as a crutch and a reason to get everyone angry. I fear it will always be a bit of both.
It has been used so much by politicians here, I wanted to say by writing this “Everyone, let racism die. Stop keeping it alive.” But I fear even if that happened, there would still be parents instilling racism into their children.
In so many ways you helped give birth to this piece after I saw the photo of you smiling in front of a car. I thought to myself “Look at her, so young and creative and carefree and brave. She is not letting the color of her skin stop her. She goes forth in boldness and creativity despite any racism she has faced or is facing.” You are amazing! Sadly, you confirmed it…you have faced it and do face it and I am so sorry.
I know it hurts…being a victim of racism. I have been a victim of racism, presupposed labels, and assumptions. it is painful. So I saw that unfortunately, from your comment, I was right. There has been no recession or let up. And I think the louder the Left screams the worse it gets. I am not even sure they are aware of the byproduct of their rage is more racism. This shows me, I need to keep writing about it. I need to keep this as a writing topic because if we all wrote about it, maybe one by one, things would change. I do not care what color you are. You are a beautiful soul! That’s what I see when I look at you, when I see you. So just know with me, you are safe. Love to you! Your friend, Laney🥰
I was crying as I was reading this, and I don’t think I’ve cried in a very long time. You have absolutely no idea what it is like to be black and try your best in every way possible to shine and so many factors in so many different places just keep bringing you right back to where you started.
I’m so happy you understand and I had no idea I was the one who inspired this beautiful poetry. I feel like I’m on the moon and I’m living the Best life yet here with you and everyone.
Then I was fortunate enough to know some wonderful women of color who shared with me part of their struggle. And the thing is that frustrates me so much is that people need to take time to listen to the struggles of others. I live by the principle “by the grace of God go I” because I could have been born in a totally different situation
So Ral, you are just a light and that photo of you just shining inspired me. You are wonderful!
Ok now I am crying! ❤️ Ral, I am so sorry for the discrimination you have faced. It makes me so sad. I was blessed with parents who were kind to everyone and told me that God sees the soul.
Your poem's strength lies in its earnestness and accessibility. It doesn't try to be clever or complex; it just wants to make a straightforward point about human unity, and it does that effectively. The resolution between the two trees feels earned rather than forced, which isn't always easy to pull off in this kind of allegorical piece.
A solid effort that wears its message openly and honestly.
Oh my, Tom, thank you so much. As I began the dialogue between trees, I became very afraid I was not going to be able to pull it off. So thank you! I am humbled by your critique. Thank you.
For some reason Laney. you may think I will think racism we have taken every recesession, a break and got some rest in the last decades, but no!
It’s literally everywhere, in job applications, on the streets in churches, in the market everywhere.
I’ve been a victim multiple times.
I love you for writing this.
My sweet friend…you know, Ral, I am not sure where you live, but in the States, racism has erupted so violently during Covid, I was not sure if racism has been silent for most recent decades yet ever present as an undercurrent or are politicians using it as a crutch and a reason to get everyone angry. I fear it will always be a bit of both.
It has been used so much by politicians here, I wanted to say by writing this “Everyone, let racism die. Stop keeping it alive.” But I fear even if that happened, there would still be parents instilling racism into their children.
In so many ways you helped give birth to this piece after I saw the photo of you smiling in front of a car. I thought to myself “Look at her, so young and creative and carefree and brave. She is not letting the color of her skin stop her. She goes forth in boldness and creativity despite any racism she has faced or is facing.” You are amazing! Sadly, you confirmed it…you have faced it and do face it and I am so sorry.
I know it hurts…being a victim of racism. I have been a victim of racism, presupposed labels, and assumptions. it is painful. So I saw that unfortunately, from your comment, I was right. There has been no recession or let up. And I think the louder the Left screams the worse it gets. I am not even sure they are aware of the byproduct of their rage is more racism. This shows me, I need to keep writing about it. I need to keep this as a writing topic because if we all wrote about it, maybe one by one, things would change. I do not care what color you are. You are a beautiful soul! That’s what I see when I look at you, when I see you. So just know with me, you are safe. Love to you! Your friend, Laney🥰
Oh my freaking God Laney.
I was crying as I was reading this, and I don’t think I’ve cried in a very long time. You have absolutely no idea what it is like to be black and try your best in every way possible to shine and so many factors in so many different places just keep bringing you right back to where you started.
I’m so happy you understand and I had no idea I was the one who inspired this beautiful poetry. I feel like I’m on the moon and I’m living the Best life yet here with you and everyone.
I love you too so so so much ♥️
Then I was fortunate enough to know some wonderful women of color who shared with me part of their struggle. And the thing is that frustrates me so much is that people need to take time to listen to the struggles of others. I live by the principle “by the grace of God go I” because I could have been born in a totally different situation
So Ral, you are just a light and that photo of you just shining inspired me. You are wonderful!
Ok now I am crying! ❤️ Ral, I am so sorry for the discrimination you have faced. It makes me so sad. I was blessed with parents who were kind to everyone and told me that God sees the soul.
Your poem's strength lies in its earnestness and accessibility. It doesn't try to be clever or complex; it just wants to make a straightforward point about human unity, and it does that effectively. The resolution between the two trees feels earned rather than forced, which isn't always easy to pull off in this kind of allegorical piece.
A solid effort that wears its message openly and honestly.
Oh my, Tom, thank you so much. As I began the dialogue between trees, I became very afraid I was not going to be able to pull it off. So thank you! I am humbled by your critique. Thank you.