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Vessel © 2006
In search of diversity, in a diverse city
I found it elusive, my quests frequently frustrated
Instead of homemade baklava or hummus, I met tragedy, calamity
Still zealous I pressed on,
wanting to learn more about
people such as my city’s Native Sons.
I encountered bewilderment
Rather than finding out what Meech-i-gan really meant
Socially wounded but not completely demoralized
I began again eager to taste, see, hear,
the world through another tongue, another pair of eyes…ears
I was sidetracked by prejudice, isolation,
condescending glances, rumors, paranoia and fear
I was overwhelmed, cut deeper than the first wound inflicted
I quickly learned that more of the same awaited me, my spirit now became afflicted
I see the beauty of numerous epidermal hues
Why can’t others? I appreciate jazz, hip-hop, salsa, celtic, folk, ska,
banghra, blues,
Why can’t others…value a perspective other than their own?
Appreciate diverse authors, artists and poets of re-known…. (rather
renown)
Like Dunbar, Wheatley, Dali, Chopin,
Van Gogh, Basquiat, Whitman, Rodin
Is there unity in separation? Or is the very notion a misnomer
Equality in isolation? Ethnic and cultural cliques huddled in cafeteria corners?
What about lunch with a stranger, or a group of them?
What about an acquaintance from one of your classes,
your job actually becoming a friend?
Why treat a foreigner foreign when their humanity transcends geography?
What about genuine inquisitiveness? I hope these questions aren’t
epiphanies?
A reason in brief for all of this disunity and grief
is that man’s spiritual depravity led to a quest for domination
a hierarchy of cultures, races became his social creation
to make it easier to justify his manipulation
resulting in worldwide oppression and devastation
So different becomes lesser or greater; preferences become glorified
Uniqueness despised instead of celebrated
Ignorance produces misconceptions and fear to being stereotyped and berated
All for what, the color of skin?
Something I can’t change?!
My character, actions, my intellect discounted, overlooked
Assumptions drawn based on my name?
But in the midst of our mindless social-cultural wars,
God sees it all and to Him it’s a disgrace
His thoughts: “To despise how I made you, intentionally, meticulously,
is a slap in My face
My heart breaks
when I observe the diverse colors and flavors in my HUE-man rainbow perceived
as evolutionary happenstance, mistakes
This sin will continue to snowball, shapeshift and apart from me will unfortunately
remain permanent
But though wide is the road of ignorance, incivility, intolerance, I still delight
in
a small, enlightened remnant
where individuality and uniqueness is cherished
where through relationships myths dissipate, questions are asked and no one is
embarrassed
This remnant is scattered, almost hidden, out of the glare of a curious but
cynical public eye, but beautiful glimpses are detected by observant, discerning
passersby
Who sometimes smile, nod in approval or are drawn to the excitement of possibility,
lured by the idea of mutual enrichment
Could this be you? Or are your psycho-social walls though artificial,
too deeply entrenched?
In search of diversity in a diverse city
-vessel
01.07.06
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