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Where Have You Gone Plantation Man?

 

 

 

 

 

you are black

 

 

not as midnight sky
more like

burnt spirits
of cotton fields, plantation

 

 

stripes course your veins
sometimes

 

 

as you listen

to footsteps race

in the dark

 

your eyes grow

too dim to guide days that
weigh on your skin

 

           heavy as forgotten blood

 

buried deep beneath
bandannas, bling, baggy

jeans, thinking

 

if you blend in with

other 'niggas'

 

 

they

won't smell the

blackness 

 

 

of your skin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

Written June 12th, 2006

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Comments

1 - 51 of 51

  • lilAj
    October 29
    Edit | Reply
    my gosh!


  • Grunts Girl gold member
    August 27, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    ohhhh my...
    working as a cop for so long in Miami....
    lets just say I get this lol..
    nice work!


  • Jaden silver member
    March 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Brillant

    Excellent poem through and through. My degree just happens to be in history. In one class I studied the Old South. I wrote a poem about it using the same premise as in yours. It's called "In the Dead of Dixie" . . . give it a read if you have the time.

    http://allpoetry.com/poem/4024699

    You're a very good writer.


  • J.J. Sass
    July 14, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the applause and the comment.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy


  • applepie1254
    July 14, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I really liked the meaning behind this poem. It shows the changed people have made from how they used to be and now. That inner self thats almost been covered up over ages. That, at least, was my interpretation. I really enjoyed reading this because it was original and the wording was new since I haven't found them in any other poems that I've read so far on this site. ^^ Good poem and keep up the great work! Thanks for sharing this piece ~!


  • J.J. Sass
    July 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    You're welcome Amanda, and thank you for the applause and insightful comment.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy


  • Tarja
    July 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
    I have long believed that there are black people and there are niggers. Sorry not nigga. I'm not going to lower myself to that ridiculous speech. There are good, hard-working Americans that come in all colors and then there are people who exploit and destroy our cities with gangs, drugs, rape, and guns. And I'm not stopping at blacks. There are white people and there are white trash. There are Mexicans and there are wetbacks. In this world, there are people and there are trash, that is all there is to it. However, it seems there is more black trash than anything other. The percentage of Brown trash is quickly rising and unfortunatly so is white trash. What with all this hip-hop B.S. more and more young white boys and girls are talking like uneducated losers, getting high, and having sex. This is the black and brown communities doing. The niggers and wetbacks. How can one have respect for a people that are known for so much disrespect and hostility. It's comepletely ridiculous. Well I trailed off, but you get my point. Thank you for the read.
    Amanda

  • J.J. Sass
    July 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Rosita, thank you for your insightful comment. I'm pleased that you could relate to my message here, and I too wish we all (esp. the "niggas") could really gain a deeper understanding of the struggles.
    Thanks again, and best wishes to you.
    Stacy


  • requiempoet gold member
    July 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Fantastic poem. I remember hearing stories of my grandparents struggle to make a fine living for themselves, and now it's being compromised by all of the " niggas " I just want a nice black man, who is prideful of himself and his history. One who can respect my wishes. I wish to god that I could understand what they went through, so I could appreciate more what I have. Trying to tell my friends...and reading the history books helps but I still can't wrap my head around it. I hope we can be friends!!!


    Rosita

  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Based on my interpretation of your comment I'm not sure why you applauded this piece.
    However, in reply to your comment. EVERY ONE has the right to tell it as it is, so do those who prefer to stay in denial. You're not black so it's already difficult for you to relate to what I'm saying here, and also you're looking at it from a very close-minded perspective.
    Like I said in my author's notes, there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between a DECENT BLACK MAN and a NIGGA. There are "niggas" out there - the ones who pride themselves in indulging in certain lifestyles: from hip hop to gangbanging (it doesn't make much of a difference). The "niggas" need to wake up and do exactly what you said in your comment - respect themselves and those who fought for them. This is my argument, and it's more factual than opinionated.
    Maybe you should have another read to really understand the point I"m trying to make.
    Thanks for your comment, and best wishes.
    Stacy


  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the kind comment Chrissy.
    Best wishes always,
    Stacy


  • Christina Prince
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I hate it when black people tell me "oh well saying nigga is ok becuase we've earned the right yadda yadda" NO PEOPLE that woard was meant to degrade you and make you a peice of shit not a human being. Many people died, were beaten, and brutalized becuase of that word. NO ONE has the right to say it for the sake those people for whome you OWE the right to say anything you like. I know I'm just a cracker but c'mon show a little self respect people! How can you expect the other races to respect you if you can't respect yourself or those who really truely suffered for you?


  • Piece 2 My Puzzle
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Hey sweetie,
    Wow I really enjoyed this poem.. It's a lot different from poems i am use to reading.. You have a way of putting your words to use.. That really just made me enjoy reading each line..
    "you coward!
    Peel off the layers"
    That was the biggest impact line i read.. I loved this poem.. I hope you cont. to write.. Best of wishes to you
    Love,
    Chrissy

  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    You haven't trivialised it in the least! That bit about your nephew made me chuckle a bit, because I see that happening more often now lol.
    To the heart of the matter, although you're unable to "empathize" I do appreciate your rather insightful perspective.
    I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, and I thank you sincerely.
    Best wishes always,
    Stacy


  • nichtmich silver member
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Eloquent

    I remember resting on Mom's sack as she drug me and cotton up one row and down the other. I also remember my Sis and I, being big enough to help each other pick one row and the game was to try and keep up with Mom. Picking cotton was better than hoeing cotton, not quite so back breaking. LOL, but I'm a 50 plus white woman so it's probably irrelevant. Still cotton fields are always used for a symbol. I'm just musing here
    The contemporary half of your poem is truthful and sad. The low riders and headgear used by the prison population are now emulated by the young as a misplaced matter of pride. My nephew is also into this hip hop look or whatever they call it now. I expect to see HUGE diamond ear studs any day now. I just don't have the heart to tell him he's white and lame.
    Well, I don't mean to trivialise your poem, it has a deep, profound meaning. I won't insult your intelligence by saying "I understand." I've read my history books, but I haven't been there myself. Thank you for a thought provoking read.


  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for your kind and insightful words angel-lover.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy


  • angel-lover
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    hi a very deep powerful write my family has several nationalitys in it yet my parents will not except that I am dating out of my race they make me sick though i dont think at the end of the day it's a race issue with my parents it's more to the point they don't want me to feel they are calous people.
    Wich brings me to your poem I am so glad you shared your thoughts here as many readers can relate well done.


  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for the comment.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I really appreciate the honesty in your comment. Your opinions were quite valid, and I'd have thought just the same.
    However, I wrote this to reflect exactly what I was feeling (to the best of my ability anyway). And in all truth, it really does start off as a "lament" and end up in a "rant". Because these emotions take turns through sadness and blatant anger and frustration. Hopefully, this will shed some new light on your perspective.
    Thanks again, and best wishes.
    Stacy


  • Comfortablynumb420
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is amazing, i completly agree that there is two different types, as does everyone...finally someone with courage to say what they feel and not try to cover it up with words


  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the applause and the kind comment Dave.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Diane, I'm glad that you were touched by this piece, and to such an extent is more than satisfactory. I didn't even think to make a spiritual connection to this at first, but now that you've shed new light on it, I welcome that perspective.
    Thank you so much for the kind and insightful words, and best wishes always.
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Reenie, thanks for your comment. As always it's much appreciated! I've received similar responses from other readers, in that it's not just a "black" problem. I guess I feel more obligated to sneer at the faults of my own people. Also, I know it's a global issue, believe me I do; but, I do a comparison almost on a daily basis because it's somewhat of an "in your face" situation. The results simply confirm my perspective on the "fact" that blacks are more affected than anyone else, and the reason this is so much more frustrating is because of our past, and how far we've come due to others' struggles. And the thought/realization of how the ignorant masses just brush that off is overwhelming to me. I mean, not many others have really gone through the struggles we have, and for so long.
    Oh dear, I've ranted. LOL!
    Nehoo, thanks again, and best wishes always!
    Stacy


  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This will go beneath my prayer pillow. Really.
    I hurt lots from this. Lots and lots.

  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    July 9, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Superb

    My heart cried- reasons being there are more than national societals going on here. There are folks that congregate and
    label the rest of those who've had a hard time and who are
    wanting to embrace love, reprove the Creator's first choice (Romans 8:28), education and advocation of biblical terms...who won't suffer progress nor see Christ as the counterpart of our dreams; they understandingly cuddle color but not without flaunting the very wand of limitation that rejected them.

    America has its spill of differentiation not unlike Babylon. Perhaps it was that splatter that was the first domino effect.

    Form is just precious............just precious.
    It so enhances the theme. Uniquely. Maya is charmed
    by this.

    I aDORE how well you expressed this:
    your eyes grow too dim
    to guide the days that
    weigh on your skin     <


  • Ninth-Poet
    July 6, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    4 thumbs up!

    This is an interesting piece of poetry that contains exquisite vivid imagery that is simple engrave into my mind. I like how the poetic devices enhance the quality of the word s choosen!
    -Keep the ink flowing!
    -Dave

  • Jay Elle
    July 6, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    An excellent subject but one I'm afraid as a middle aged white woman of rural England I feel less than qualified to comment. Purely as to how your poem spoke to me - you seemed to change style and tone halfway through and I much prefered the first half. I felt you lost me at that point and what was a quite beautiful lament became a rant and it jarred. Maybe your point? but I lost thread too, could this be 2 poems? one needing a beginnng the other an end?


  • cherche -d -ame
    July 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Stacy, this is a great piece of social consciense and awareness. I can sense the disappointment and frustration in it.......and it is chock full of pride at the same time. Unfortunately I do not think this just applies to the black race. I see it as an spanning the globe kind of problem......as individuality and character does not mean as much as going with the masses <-------makes all look like robots or clones
    much love always,
    xoxoxoxoxo
    reenie

  • J.J. Sass
    June 22, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks momma! I've heard of her, but haven't read any of her works. But if you recommend it, I'll definitely check it out.
    Best always,
    Stace


  • Heart Sutra
    June 19, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Have you read Audre Lorde? I just finished her book Black Unicorn. I think you would enjoy it a great deal. Good poem you have going here!

  • J.J. Sass
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I hope it does inspire some change, though I highly doubt it. After all, I'm not half-naked in a rap video so eh.
    You also pointed out something very pressing that I'd like to address as well. I'm not talking about the actual criminals, because bear in mind not all of them break laws. The thing that bugs me is the need for the "law-abiding" men to imitate unlawful appearances.
    Nehoo, thanks for the comment and best wishes.
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Firstly, this piece does rise from great frustration. Secondly, it's not about "meeting men". This is about a race coming from the dogs through blood, sweat and tears, and foolishly going right back there. There probably aren't a lot of black men where you are, and that's why you can't relate.
    Thanks for the comment, and best wishes always.
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you share my insight. More black women need to in order for the men to wake up! If we continue to accept the low and degrading standards they set form themselves, then they'll never seek to do better.
    Best wishes to you,
    Stacy


  • J.J. Sass
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the applause and the comment. Glad you enjoyed this piece.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy

  • Chander Malhotra
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    good poem

    It is a good poem where you want to relieve your self of the pain andd anxiety you feel when you see your own people going hell-bent down the drain, all because they do not have the good sense to obey the laws of society which are necessary if you want to live within society. Good keep writing such stuff, it will inspire change for the better ot the world

  • bloodshot pansy
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    let me just say from the perspective of a black woman, i totally understand. " niggas " tend to be irresponsible and forget who they really are. from wearin' a tall tee to joinin' a gang, i just wish they could stand up in a good manner for our culture and say, " hey, i'm not gonna go along with this trend of poverty and guns." but alas, that's gonna take time. anywayz, thanks for writing this poem. you're opening up a lot of eyes.


  • Tweedle Dee
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    Rightful

    wow. This is waht I liked about poetry so much, you can say whateva you want to say, mean whatever your heart feels like trying to teach and the point of your poem hit me greatly. Racism is a sad truth that most try to percieve and prevail. Keep up the good work. The world needs poets like this. ~ Tweedle Dee

  • J.J. Sass
    June 16, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for your comment dear. It didn't bother me as much a few years ago, when I was your age. But I think it irks me more now because the "problem" has rapidly and severely deteriorated since then.
    Best wishes to you,
    Stacy


  • bedazzled
    June 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is so true, I definately agree to seeing this happening. I'm 15 and it's incredibly hard to think of a black guy at my school who doesn't wear a oversized crystal in one ear. I love the way you've worded this, great piece

  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I'm glad you liked it, and I appreciate your honesty. I don't want to reveal too much of the subject/theme, but I'll say that it has to do with how I view my race.. well the men of my race anyway. Hopefully that opens something up, or maybe you can reread it with that in mind.
    Thanks for the comment, and best wishes.
    Stacy


  • XxAsmodeusxX
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is interesting. I like it, but i don't necessarily get it. It's very good though. Keep writing.

  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Hey! Nice to see a comment from you, and a good and useful one (as always).
    That line (not as midnight sky) specifically served as a distinguisher between the whole "colour of the skin" and the "essence of the man"... ya know inner vs outer lol. I appreciate the input though, but I think I'll let it hang.
    Thanks again for the comment, and best wishes always.
    Stacy

  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Coming from you, this is a huge compliment! Sincerest thanks for your wonderful and insightful words.
    Best wishes always,
    Stacy


  • rannilt
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    wow~

    i loved the 'b' alliteration.

    i loved the commanding tone throughout.

    i thought you didnt' need the 'not as midnight sky part' but that might have been just me.

    i loved the ending exhortation to 'peel off the layers'.

    Wonderful job!

  • Nicole Hanna
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Sheesh... might as well not even try to follow up that wonderful comment above lol I get just as much jollies from the comments on poetry as I do the poetry itself I will, however, comment on the subject matter, which I rarely ever do. It was so incredibly nice, and refreshing (to say the least) to see someone tackle this subject with as much grace as you've managed here. Your opening stanza about said all there is to say, and yet every successive line just built upon it without sounding repetative at all. Wonderfully done.


  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the insightful comment.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy


  • Rented Emotion
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This is a powerful poem as to the subject content. You placed your words well. I think this poem is somewhat well written. I like the last stanza. I think that people succumb to the ideas of race and it is wrong. They are burdened by barriers set by cultural preconditioning. This poem helps people break the change. Good luck. Interesting write.
    Edited on Jun 12, 10:33 p.m. because 'changed paragraph to stanza'.

  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I am truly appreciative of the time and effort you put into this comment. You have definitely shown much insight into this, as well as hinting at your own perspectives. I'll try to respond to each stanza.

    1. You are right about the mask being worn by people of different races, but I guess since I'm black this one stood out most to me.

    2. I'm glad you like the imagery and flow, and that line is my favourite as well.

    3. The reason I omitted "the" as an article in that line ("but more like burnt spirits") is because I didn't want to seemingly "specify" (for want of a better word). Hope I'm making sense.

    5. I was playing with visuals myself for a while before I actually posted, and felt that if I continued too much along those lines I'd have never posted a thing lol. I think I might just separate that "yourself" even more. Thanks for the tip!

    And overall, thank you for this critique. They're always welcome.
    Best wishes to you,
    Stacy


  • Anna Kay
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I think that this poem is actually true for many people, not just the 'nigga' and 'decent black man'. There are too many people, no matter what race, hiding behind masks (or deciding to be ignorant, cliché and dumb? I'm undecided about that) and you certainly made a very clear and valid point in your poem.

    I very much enjoyed the unique way you crafted the poem. The imagery was very captivating and vivid and the rhythm of the whole poem was interesting and fluent. I very much liked the first two stanzas, but the image and line that struck me most is "heavy as forgotten blood", I found this one just perfect.

    In the third line ("but more like burnt spirits") I was missing an article, for my taste preferrably a "the", basically because the stanza continues with "of cotton fields" which refers back to the line before if I'm not mistaken This, however, is just my personal flavour - the stanza works perfectly fine the way it is.

    I also loved the way you connected the single stanzas - I think this added a lot to the flow of the whole poem. Other than that I always enjoy poetry that is not afraid to take a stance and that does have a message or point - something this poem very clearly did and had.

    In the last line I was playing with the thought to seperate the "yourself" even more from the rest of the text, for instance by adding a blank line before it. I've grown to be a rather visual type with poetry and tend to play around a lot with formatting (which often doesn't work out), so this is just a thought I had and I thought while I am at it I'll put it there as well.

    All in all you penned a poem that is not only well-written, creative and brimming with strong imagery but that also inspired me to write a rather long comment - and I only comment on poetry that leaves an impression on me. This one indeed left a strong one and I am thoroughly glad that I came across it!


  • J.J. Sass
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you liked it.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy


  • miss midnight
    June 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    i like this.
    "you are black
    not as midnight sky
    but more like burnt spirits
    of cotton fields" are my favorite lines.
    great job.

1 - 51 of 51