Poetry: Complex Identity

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I'm am re-posting this poem that I originally posted in April 2005 when I first began blogging. Bougie Black Boy discovered it in my archives and thought that readers would be interested. Thanks Bougie! I read this poem for the first time in months and decided to change the title.

This poem came to me as I was getting off of the subway train (originally posted: 4/17/2005)


I am Ghetto
I am Bourgeois
I am Elitist
I am Sexist
I am Voyeuristic
I am Spiritual
I am demonic
I am racist
I am Capitalist
I am a purist
I am all these things in alchemy
Forming a cosmic blend of Native-Afro-Neo-Euro-Old soul-Negro
Rising above stereotypes and perceptions
Frequent erections remind me of my potent nature
Spewing fertile life
producing seedlings that grow
Following the aftermath

Comments

MJW said…
I'm not sure if it's deliberate or not, but you describe America.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:36:00 PM
MJW said…
By the way, I meant to add...the imagery and the phrasing is beautiful.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:36:00 PM
Mrs A. said…
real niiiiiiiice.......
Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:42:00 PM
Anonymous said…
must be doing some soul searching yourself, wish more people would do that.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 7:32:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
MJ West-
This poem came to me as I was riding up the Dupont Circle subway station on my way to work. One can definitely see America by the time you reach the street level. I wrote what I saw and what I perceived as I was riding up. Thanks for the comment.

Miss A-
Thank you for your 'niiiiiiice' comment. :)

tu s.tin-
I'm always searching and trying to improve on the original.
Friday, February 24, 2006 9:05:00 AM
A.u.n.t. Jackie said…
great poetry of self description!
Friday, February 24, 2006 10:59:00 AM
Rose DesRochers said…
I didn't see this poem as self description. I was thinking that maybe you wrote this as other's see you.

We live in a society, where we are not suppose to stereotype, but we do. We are all guilty of it,"Dumb Blondes," "Men don't cry"" black men are all hoods". When are we going to take a good look at how stereotyping effects our lives. I'm Ranting again.... I guess I find you interesting. LOL


I know I went way off topic. LOL

Thought provoking poem.
Friday, February 24, 2006 1:14:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Miss Ahmad-
Thanks for the comment and for stopping in. Some of these definitely apply to me, but some of it is how I view society or how society views me. Have a great weekend!

Rose-
No, you didn't go off topic. It is always interesting to learn how others perceive you. I'd like to think that most people look at me and say, "there's a intelligent and seemingly nice man." :) Unfortunately, I know that some see me as a potential threat or just ignorant based on the color of my skin. LOL! Now I'm ranting. :)
Anyway, thanks for your comment and I hope that you have a great weekend.
Friday, February 24, 2006 2:17:00 PM
NML/Natalie said…
You are very talented Stephen and I love the imagery you created through the contradictions. You capture America and the black man very well.
Sunday, February 26, 2006 8:28:00 AM
Rose DesRochers said…
From someone who views you as an intelligent and seemingly nice man I find your blog interesting. Feel free to rant in my ear anytime.
Sunday, February 26, 2006 10:12:00 PM
Bougie Black Boy said…
. . . and this is why I suggested he repost. He's an amazing writer!
Monday, February 27, 2006 9:35:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
nml-
It's funny when the morning commute can inspire poetry. Thank you. :)

rose-
I am nice...really I am. :) Thank you. There will definitely be more rants to come.

SEJ-
Now, how much do I owe you? :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 8:28:00 AM
MZPEACH said…
That was beautiful. Great poem...maybe I shoule dabble in your archives too!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 4:02:00 PM
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