Red’s the Colour

This is the third poem in my colour series. The first is black and the second is the battle of black and colour

Red’s the colour

red proved the toughest contender
in the fiery battle between black and colour

he was a radical mover and shaker
a hot-blooded fighter

who waved the scarlet standard tall
for black to see and force to fall

he led all colours deep into the heated battle
memories of the long dark days

ignited their passions

which raged and flared
creating their own light

they revelled in the spilling of crimson blood
and black recoiled in horror,

the battle was won
and red rolled out the carpet for his friends

power to the petite

colours
tints
of every shade
advanced into the open

a revolutionary freedom
cause for celebration

let’s paint the town,

___________________________________

Musical accompaniment: Billy Bragg – Red Flag

The battle of black and colour

Everyone needs some colour in their life!

The battle of black and colour (version 1)

Black was ruthless.

This was not a friend but an enemy, absorbing all colours, pretending to protect the spectrum but leaving each shade weak and puny, hidden in the depths, breathlessly submissive.

Dormant the colours rested, exhausted but dogged and resolute, waiting for light to penetrate the dark shield.

The light came.

A dawning realisation of hope began to strengthen their form.

A radiant heat of love teased the tint into the open, for all to see.

A cascade of optimism splashed and sated this new world,

and a rainbow of colours emerged triumphant in their glowing beauty.

They basked in the attention, gaining strength in recognition, a power with which to continue the battle with black and to win,

to this day,

_______________________

The battle of black and colour (version 2)

Black was ruthless.

This was not a friend but an enemy, absorbing all colours, pretending to protect the spectrum but leaving each shade weak and puny, hidden in the depths, breathlessly submissive.

Dormant the colours rested, exhausted but dogged and resolute, waiting for light to penetrate the dark shield.

The light came.

A dawning realisation of hope began to strengthen their form.
A radiant heat of love teased the tint into the open, for all to see.
A cascade of optimism splashed and sated this new world,

and a rainbow of colours emerged triumphant in their glowing beauty,