Colour Blind

By Masie Liston
Scottish Mission

What colour is black?
Am I blind to its Hamitic tone?
I can feel its presence,
Sense its depths,
Touch its velvet,
Hear its despair!
But what colour is black?

How can I know except search its soul–
And yet I’m afraid!

My colour is white!
Am I unblemished still from birth?
Why fear I its nearness–
Pity its fall –
Watch its tears,
Pray for its soul?
Because my colour is white
Should I withhold my love?
For God who gave his life
Tells me – love all!

(1969)