The Mystique Black

• Prompt: Black provided by Jessica M.

• Written on June 6th, 2024

In the realm where whispers dance

Clocked in shadows within the twilight’s trance

Black as onyx dark and deep

For a tapestry where secrets and stories untold

Remain kept hidden within the darkness

 Of tales waiting to be found.

Mysterious and bewildering stones, gems, and more await to be found amidst the darkness.

Obsidian strong and volcanic in nature.

Black Opal rare and exquisite mainly found within the depths of Australia.

Black Holes that seem to defy the known strengths and gravity of space.

Charcoal and Coal used to bring warmth and cooking heat in bonfires, barbecues,

and as engine fuel for certain trains.

Black quartz that absorbs lights transforming it into a sparkling piece of mineral.

Mysterious treasures like coal and charcoal help us cook some of the summer foods we love.

Black colored food exists and offers an array of unique food color contrasts.

Indigo Rose Tomatoes grow upon the vines high in antioxidants.

Black beans often characterized as legumes.

Black pepper that offers a hint of spice and flavor to our foods.

Black olives used as a relish and found in salads or on pizza.

Blackberries that offer a mixture of sweet and sour to our diets.

To the foods we eat to the plants and flowers

 that offer a darkening contrast to the light filled fields.

Black Velvet Petunias sticky and glowing within the light.

Black tulips rare and symbolic of strength and power.

The distinctive Black Pansies littering the flower beds.

Black orchids beautiful and unique in their variety of petal colors.

Molly Sanderson Violas rare, elegant, and glamorous in their edible petals.

The darkening foods give nourishment to the animals

 that provide shadows in the animal kingdom.

The cawing of the Crows that wards off predators from fields

often associated with change, transformation, or a message.

The Black Rooster Ayam Cemani

a chicken that clucks and is native to Indonesia.

Chimpanzees intelligent, social, and sometimes violent animals

Native to the forests and savannahs of Africa.

Black cats often associated with evil, Halloween, and witches.

Don’t believe the superstitions though.

As these cats are some of the friendliest and loyal ones

known to the supernatural

Just kidding they are kind and loyal to all who open their hearts and minds to them.

The cute and adorable Pandas from China.

The slippery and icy environment living inhabitants of the Penguins.

Black Garden Ants small but strong.

The creative arts play host to the creativity that beholds the color black

 as well as black or African American artists.

Black and white paintings are seen throughout the art world

showcasing a beautiful contrast between light and darkness

as well as important messages such as the memory and bravery

of figures like Harriet Tubman.

Shown in the painting “Untitled (Harriet Tubman), 1953, by Elizabeth Catlett.

Movies led by strong and inspiring black and African American actors.

Like Disney’s history making Black Panther

The iconic romantic Love and Basketball

The historical and powerful The Help

to humorous and action-packed Bad Boys film series.

To the books that capture and take us to worlds that offer a mixture of reality and fiction.

While providing us with new perspectives and understandings

To Kill a Mockingbird

Passing

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

To the musicians that left us in awe and admiration of their talents and heart

The wonderful Stevie Wonder

The amazing and powerful voice beholding Whitney Houston

whose legacy lives on through her songs and story.

The queen of Soul and first ever woman

inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Arthea Franklin.

To the present days female stars of Tinashe, Victoria Monet, Ella Mai, Usher, and more.

Creativity knows no bounds and offers a light within the darkness for all of us.

Like midnight silk the universe weaves

A symphony of secrets it retrieves.

As adulthood remains cloaked in mystery’s shroud

While time whispers tales both soft and loud

Upon our listening ears and open minds.

In hues of ebony beauty lies

A celebration beneath starlit skies

Embracing darkness as the night falls fast

A journey into shadows where memories last

Through the veil of night and day

We navigate life’s sometimes darkened journey

With courage forged in shadows deep

And whispers of strength and kindness we keep

Moving forward towards hope, happiness, love, and equality for all

Who call the Earth home.