In the Eyes of an Old Black Man

By Ron Whitlock

I have felt the pain, sweat, blood, and tears.
I have seen victory a thousand times, beyond my reach.
I have had the pat on the back, the smile
Of a frown in my face.
I am a symbol of your wrong.
I am reminded of the past, but not the future.
I am Black—proud to be Black.
While growing up, Ron Whitlock experienced not only racism and prejudice, but also love and acceptance from many who did not look like him.
In a debut collection, Whitlock shares poems that lyrically address a wide range of topics and themes that include love, race, faith, and much more. As his poetry reveals a glimpse into his personal journey and perspectives, he explores what it means to be Black in America, faith and hope, life itself, and love as he learned to navigate through and achieve victory over the pitfalls and obstacles in his way, accept and love others with an open heart, and find strength in God’s unconditional love.
In the Eyes of an Old Black Man is a volume of free verse that candidly reflects on the personal journey of a man of faith as he embraced the colorful experiences of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Mar 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665739672

Ron Whitlock

Ron Whitlock is a husband, pastor, father, and grandfather who has been writing poetry since age sixteen. In the Eyes of an Old Black Man is his first collection of poems.

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Copyright © 2023 Ron Whitlock.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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ISBN: 978-1-6657-3966-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-3967-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023904110

Archway Publishing rev. date: 03/10/2023

Contents

In the Eyes of an Old Black Man

Chapter 1: BLACK IN AMERICA

All Colors Are Beautiful

Black

Choice

Colored Man

Free Me

I Am Black

In the Eyes of an Old Black Man

Pride

Slave

Slave’s Dream

To Be Black

Together

Tomming

Chapter 2: FAITH AND HOPE

Dare to Dream

Evil

Feelings

I Once Had Feelings

I See

I

In His Eyes

Keep On

Lord, You Blessed Me Through

Once