Black
Boy
Blues
POEMS & SHORT STORIES BY HASSAN BEYAH
A lot of my passion for "art" comes from my blues (as both an escape from and as a means of understanding), my desire to create and not be created, to exist and not be extinguished, to come to terms with both my own morality and mortality, and to make peace with my own invisibility. I write and all these other things, most instinctually, so that just maybe somebody will say, "He was here".
-Hassan Beyah | Aug 18, 2010
Vanity of the Unconscious Mind
by Hassan Beyah | 2008
I find it hard to look in the mirror.
The image starting back at me.
Is me but not me.
A stranger.
He has my lips, my eyes
my dark skin and smile.
But he is not I
and I am not him.
He has more passion lurking beneath
and bigger dreams.
He is beautiful and strong.
Where as I am weak and insecure.
I am not myself
but something vague and empty.
He stares at me through the toothpaste splashed
stained mirror.
We both move closer.
I imagine I see disappointment in his eyes.
but upon closer examination I see that
it is not disappointment but hope.
He hopes and I stumble.
We are not the same.
This reflection and I.
He is comfortable and proud.
He is beautiful.
and I am invisible.
He smiles when I smile.
but his smile is authentic.
Where as mine is just for show.
We love not what we want
but what we want to be
If my twin is any true reflection
then maybe I should start loving me.
​
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To Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide
POEMS & SHORT STORIES BY HASSAN BEYAH
Mr. Bowe
Hassan's Beloved Dog