TheBanyanTree: HIS COLORS

[Sharon Mack]

HIS COLORSBy Sharon L. Mack I married a manA man of colorA black manAnd
he taught me many things. He taught me that It was a shameIf a man
hisSize and ageCouldn't make two little girlsObeyWithout having to hit
them. And when he looked at meI knew he meant the lessonFor me,
too,Though I would not learnThe lesson For many years to come. He taught
me that love goesBeyond a nameAnd that he could loveMy daughtersWithout
being called, 'Daddy'And he taught themRespect for the oneWho carried
that name. He asked them to call him'Mr. Phil' And told them that
loveWas the same And friendship was a most valuable gift. He taught me
to Walk on my ownTo do my own thingAnd though we were oneWe were also
two. He taught me Not to see colorBut to knowWho we are, nonetheless,To
know one anotherBeyond what society sawAnd how others might name us. He
taught me thatSly, cool, innuendoAnd niggardly word punsWere not
funnyBut simply white of me. He taught me that it was okayTo be curious
about our outwardDifferences,As he honored a small child'sInnocent
curiosityWhen she looked in his faceAnd into his eyesAnd asked himIf she
could touch his hair. He taught me thatMusic was hard workIf you wanted
to hear itAnd that harmonicas wereA real instrument. He taught me to
listenWhile he sang his night songsWith dust in his voice,For the songs
were shortAnd soon they would be goneWith the end of our timeWith the
end of our love. I married a manA man of colorA black manAnd he taught
me many things.