Show Me the View From the Back of the Bus

Show me the view from the back of the bus.
Educate me. Open my eyes.
Point out where colors are sorted, like laundry,
then divided into separate rows -
the blacks, the whites, the browns, the tans.
Show me which space money buys -
the extra leg-room, the lean-back seats.
Show me the view.
I pray it's not like looking in the mirror.

Instruct me as to where gender
is established and seated -
where love is only conditional and exclusive.
Which seats are occupied by only those who seem alike?
Where do the crosses sit,
the menorahs, the stars and crescent moons?
The lotus flowers?
Show me the view from the back of the bus.

Certainly the left is seated far, far left,
and the right is seated far, far right
so that there is a vast space of ignorance in between.
Point out where the elderly are placed,
the ill, the challenged, the lonely.
Show me the view.
I pray it's not like looking in the mirror.
***

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

Comments

I think that you...

have nailed this one firmly to the cross! I would have used the refrain of "I pray it's not like looking in the mirror." on the end of the middle verse too! Other than that; a good solid poem! Nice job. ~ Geez.
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Hi, Geezer,

Like many people, I am from a warm, diverse family. But I get discouraged with the endless excuses society uses to divide people. Thank you for reading! Your opinions and comments mean a lot to me!
L

yes

Geez has an eagle's eye
I agree too

Hello, Lovedly!

Thank you for reading!
L

Hello esteemed poet!

To say that all the lines were completely masterly and wonderfully powerful and expressive.

Your poetry is scarlet cloth in a very fine weave.
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Hello, Jackweb,

Some poetry seems to write itself. I am so glad you stopped by!
Thank you!
L

Damn!

The stream is fire today! You guys are bringing to back to life today. I’m feeling down but I keep hope close and when I come here and read my fellow poets that hope is kindled knowing I’m not so damn alone. Commendations on something really special here.

Tim

Hello, Tim,

I agree...when I am feeling down or alone, either music or poetry revives my hope and energy. I wrote this piece a few months ago after feeling discouraged about all the many, many different ways we create to divide ourselves from one another. I took a "self-inventory" and this is what appeared. I appreciate your reading it and sharing your thoughts.
Thank you!
L

This is more...

than just a poetry site! This is why we call ourselves "Our Family of Poets". We believe that singly we are only a part of the human race; that together, we ARE the human race. This is why I am so proud to be a part of Neo. and hope that you are too.
~ Geezer.
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Racism in any form

Just sucks. I am not an idealist, i like to think I an not only a astute observer of physical reality, also i include a form of a far-reaching vision. Racism drops us back to a certain place of hatred, and distrust on stony ground. Hard to do anything close to intellectually enlightened from that spot, unless you are someone like Ghandi or Martin Luther King.

Thanks for your piece…. Thought provoking, well written! Bravo!

Hello, Ray,

I love your "far-reaching vision" reference! That is what it takes to remain hopeful!
Thank you for reading!
L

they showed me a prompt and it said SHE IS SELLING LAVEN...

I retorted
NO I know LAV
She is injecting in humanity
lovely lav poetry
be happy

Hello, Lovedly,

Many thanks for reading!
L

Hi, Lovedly,

Sure appreciate your reading and commenting. Sometimes I'm not clear with your messages, so I'd like a little more explanation, please. May I ask what did you mean by "they showed me a prompt and it said SHE IS SELLING LAVEN." Certainly don't want to interpret incorrectly.
Thank you, Lovedly.
L