"Black and White " is one of many poems from my recently published book entitled Musings of an Eccentric Dreamer. The poem's birth came out of the novel that I am currently writing. It also comes from a personal experience. It is about a black woman struggling with her genuine feelings of love -- a love that she knows can never be fully realized (she is a slave) for a white man. It is a desperate love that causes a great deal of anguish and sadness within her soul, but she also has a strong sense of determination and belief that one day they will be together. I also wanted to show that despite the external dynamics that are keeping them apart, love knows no boundaries nor rationalizes secular restrictions. I wanted the reader to see her cry. I felt by doing this, I could emphasize the forbidden and unrequited love theme a bit more. I also wanted to humanize her dilemma rather than simply preach about racism. I loved writing this poem as I was able to speak for her. I was an observer who was able to feel her emotions for myself.