The Problem With Those People

I wrote this poem after reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neal Hurston, in my English class, in April 1996. It was the product of an assignment. I cannot remember the specifics of it but am glad that I kept the poem, it speaks about one of the themes in the book and a topic that the Black community still struggles with today.

It instantly become one of my favorite books. I currently have two copies. There is also a film version of this movie starring Halle Berry as Janie. I suggest reading the book first.

Janie came to know Mrs. Turner now.

She was an ironing board with things throwed at it.

But Mrs. Turner shape and features were entirely approved by Mrs. Turner.

Her nose slightly pointed and she was proud.

Her disfavorite subject was negros.

Ah got white folks feature in mah face

Ah nevert dreamt so many different kins.

Uh black folks could collect in on place,

it's too many blacks folks already.

We oughta lighten up the race,

ah can't stand black niggers.

us oughta class off,

always singin' ol' nigger songs,

de black ones is holdin' us back,

lookin' lak uh fly in buttermilk.

She had so much to disapprove of.

She didn't forgive her for marrying a man, as dark as Tea Cake.

She fell that she had the remedy, that was what her brother was born for.

You and him would make up uh a swell couple ,

if you wuzn't already married.

If dat's her notion she's barkin up de wrong tree.

Ah aint uster 'ssciation' wid black folks.

Ah just couldn't see myself married, to no black man

Since she hate black folks so,

she don't need our money in her ol' place.

Her look lak uh white woman.