What Do You See

Writing 201: Poetry is at it again. This assignment is challenging, and that’s why I love it. I hope I do it justice!!

Skin. Prose Poem. Internal Rhyme.

What do you see when you look at me? My perception of myself is different from your view. So, tell me who you think I am. First and foremost, I am a black man. However, I want you to look past my skin. Deep within my soul is the essence of my being. Do you see a heart of gold? The specific characteristic of a man who loves the Lord is a heart filled with love. Peaceful as a dove’s flight over receding flood waters. Is that what you see?

Do I embody strength? The person that will go to great lengths to reach his goals? Inspiration, not indignation, is what ignites you to to keep pressing forward. I hope to inspire, but the irony of your viewpoint may yield disappointing results in my hope. It all depends on how you see me.

Maybe you think I’m hilarious. Although I don’t think I’m funny enough to share with us the joy of laughter, this is your impression. Not mine. I’m inclined to believe the smile on your face means joy abounds in our conversation. Is it with jubilant anticipation that you enter our discussion? Maybe it’s nothing I can pinpoint.

Whatever your perception, let not deception be in your eyes. What lies within is a caring soul that loves you even when the feeling may not be mutual. Take that into account when you tell me what you see.

– Jarrod Brown (c) 2015