Two Doors

Location

27505
United States
35° 23' 23.8992" N, 78° 59' 48.0804" W

There are two doors with which to enter
Only one of which is right
Only one will give you freedom and promise
That door is for the white

The other is marked with poverty
With hardship whipped into its back
With nothing but a dream to cling to
That door is for the black

One door has never suffered
Their freedom constant in their sight
Yet they take it from the colored
That door is for the white

One door was promised liberty
With every whips crack
A distortion of equality
That door is for the black

One door argues hatred
Their discrimination full of spite
Demanding separate but not equal
That door is for the white

One door wishes peace
Civil disobedience their only attack
To walk alongside as equals
That door is for the black

Two doors with which to enter
Only one of which is right
Is it the door for the black?
Or the door for the white?

Guide that inspired this poem: 

Comments

Rachel_Rials

I always felt that the segregation of buildings, fountains, and even entrances showed how truly horrid discrimination was. What was supposed to be "separate but equal" was not. So, the two separate entrances symbolize different things to me. Which one was right? Which door should you take?

jwiener

I agree. The "Two Doors" title is extremely symbolic. Also, this is a wonderfully written poem! Keep writing, and expressing your true beliefs about the world and society. Head on over to the "Resources" section for some inspiration and ideas!

Abri

this was a really nice poem, very intriguing and it makes the mind wonder

dancenkflame

Did you know the Irish that came here to America in the begining came here fleaing from salvery. Before the Africans came, the British promised them freedom if they were slaves for so long here. Unfortunate, that any race had to feel this pain. But slavery has been around since the begining of time. Check out Roman history, Egypt, Persia. From what I can tell by history the only group of people that did not ensalve other were Native Americans and the Myans did that!

 

Any way I'm not trying to troll. My favorite part is this:

There are two doors with which to enter
Only one of which is right
Only one will give you freedom and promise
That door is for the white

 

I replied like this ten years ago. But today I see a glaring racist silencing. I apologize. And add that your writing is heavy and beautiful.

jakeyab

I must say that I do like this poem simple yet being real about discrimination

Stephanie D.

Wonderful ending with the ambiguity! This poem beautifully comments on racial discrimination. Keep up the good writing.

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741