Unearthing the Strength and Harnessing the Power of Identity: An Exploration of my poem 'My Blackness' by Ricardo Derose.

"My Blackness."

Do not underestimate or under-appreciate,
the beauty of Blackness.
With time, the source of light will dissipate,
but still will remain The Blackness.

From the Blackness, born the light,
as the true meaning of the first will be the last.
Just as after every daylight comes the night,
Sooner or later, the light will go past.

I am not a son of the sun,
I wear my origin on my skin.
Stronger than that color, there is none,
for I carry the power of a black hole within.

~Ricardo Derose



Title: Unearthing the Strength and Harnessing the Power of Identity: An Exploration of my poem 'My Blackness' by Ricardo Derose.

My poem "My Blackness" springs from exploring self, identity, and heritage, understanding the profound depth and strength inherent in being part of the black diaspora. The value in one's Blackness isn't confined to skin color; it envelops a rich heritage, shared history, an innate strength, and resilience that shapes individuals and communities.

In the first stanza: "Do not underestimate or under-appreciate, the beauty of Blackness. With time, the source of light will dissipate, but still will remain The Blackness." I convey the enduring nature of Blackness. It remains strong, persistent, and beautiful, even as the source of light—the symbol of external validation or borrowed definitions—fades away

This Blackness is expressed through resilience, wisdom, creativity, and the inherent strength of spirit, the fabric of our existence. It is reflected in our communities' unity, the power of our voices, and the richness of our cultural practices and traditions.

Moving onto the second stanza: "From the Blackness, born the light, as the true meaning of the first will be the last. Just as after every daylight comes the night, Sooner or later, the light will go past." I allude to the cyclical nature of life and existence. It underlines that from Blackness, all life originates, and to it, everything returns, reinforcing our roots and the journey's continuity.

So as the light fades and the night comes, we are reminded that it is from Blackness that the light is born, and to the Blackness, it will return. This cycle is a metaphor for life, a reminder of our origins, and a prophecy of our potential. As a son of the black diaspora, I don't just wear my origin on my skin; I embody it in my very existence.

The visible manifestation of this Blackness is more than just a color. It is a state of being, an aura of power, a well of potential. It's present in the color of my skin, but it's so much more than that—it's the legacy of my ancestors, the strength of my present, and the promise of my future.

In the final stanza: "I am not a son of the sun, I wear my origin on my skin. Stronger than that color, there is none, for I carry the power of a black hole within." I emphasize the power and resilience of Blackness. It indicates that this identity is not merely a reflection of light, like the sun, but a profound, intrinsic quality akin to the strength of a black hole contained within our skin.

My Blackness isn't just a part of who I am; it's the foundation upon which I'm built. It's a source of power, a badge of honor, and an eternal testament to the enduring spirit of my people.

This Blackness is manifested through resilience, wisdom, creativity, and inherent strength of spirit, forming our existence's fabric. The unity of our communities, the power of our voices, and the richness of our cultural practices and traditions offer an eloquent testament to this.

@ricardoderose Quotes related to History + Philosophy + Poetry = Philoetry.
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