In the black and white of life, I see vibrant hues
by Renee Matthews Jackson
In the black and white of life, I see vibrant hues
Reaching God’s promised years, I’ve paid most of my dues
Prefer singing sultry jazz, not songs of salty blues
Realized that some I have known truly have no clues
In the magic of each exhale
I breathe in the breath of good hope
Because of witnessing all too well
The Great Spirit helps me to cope
When rainbows dissolve into crystalline bright stars
The new world crumbles the old, leaving fresh-faced scars
Blatant evidence of fright in border patrol Czars
“Alligator Alcatraz”; humans caged behind bars
I retreat to my happy place
Where colors dance and tend to play
And leave this world without a trace
Eyes wide, unveiling God’s great grace
*
For man is not meant to live in chaos that abounds
But enjoy all of creation with its sights and sounds
Feet planted in the soil to get the source from sacred grounds
And if they might be tilted, straighten up our crowns
*
Paint a pretty scene in your mind
Let go of the tension and grief
Be humble, stand tall, and be kind
Charge your soul and summon relief
Don’t move about like you are blind
Harness the powers of your belief
And stick to your Muse, it will bind
Renee Matthews Jackson [2025]
Artwork by Renee Matthews Jackson
Artwork by Renee Matthews Jackson
