In Black - Rebecca del Rio

[Larry Robinson]

In Black
 (written when the United States invaded Iraq in 2003)

The day they started  bombing (they, not we
Because we do not have bombs), I put on black.

I folded away red, yellow, rage, and
Hope.  I tucked greens, blues, anticipation
And desire in a neat corner
And I put on black.

The day they started bombing (they, not we
Because we do not have bombs) I stacked olive, tan,
Quietude and rest in the cabinet.
And I put on black.

The day they started bombing (they, not we
Because we do not have bombs) I watched orange
Shower up in spectacular sparks like
A desert bonfire.  I put away my scarves, silver bracelets,
Amulets and laughter.  
And I put on black.

The day they started bombing (they, not we
Because we do not have bombs,) I felt
The air being sucked out of me 
In great gulps of teal, fuchsia, pained
Shades of purple.  I felt the air wheeling over as 
I put on black.

The day we started bombing (we because no matter
How I refused, they used my name anyway)
I folded up joy, like a Bedouins tent, bright,
Fringed and  billowing and put on black.


	- Rebecca del Rio 
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