Some words

Bedevil me.”

Breeding like adders. Others know sun

Seeking like gypsies over my tongue”

In a perforated book-buy and sign and tear apart-

And come whatever wills all chances”

An ill-pulled tooth with a ragged edge”

“as dimanond comes into a knot of flame

I am black because I come from the earths inside

Take my word for jewel in your open light”.

Diamond shining, and coal being black, are similar in that, they are created that way and what the are cannot be changed. But, the words of those who are looked over, should be taken with just as much value, especially in “your open light”- aka society’s seemingly clear views.

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

Don’t you fall now-

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’”

I’se been a-climbin’ on”

The one that would be most effective on me is tough love as I’d feel more inclined to listen.

Coal has a less desperate tone. This poem is aimed towards those with more privilege- those who do the listening rather than those who struggle to be heard. I find them both effectives, but with different messages and different audiences.