Young Poets 12 and Under –

"Black Pearl" by Ruby Rodriguez Nellis

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Cover image shows sunglasses on top of a book, on top of a journal, on top of the sand at a beach.

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January 15th, 2026

Black Pearl

by Ruby Rodriguez Nellis

Civil words of conversation
she had learned were quite a rarity
often, are the cries of condemnation
from the people of white heredity

Once it is heard, the resting crow
flies of fire whirl in the air –
set the world a glow

winds captured whispered secrets
through her hands they flow –
the horrors of passed times
a fight in present hours
uncertain figures mime 
their dust coats her flowers
pale moonlit petals
those she most adores
spider spins in her ear
telling words of yore
those who fear
are those who hate
for to hate is to fear,
our current fate
does not rely, dear girl
on what tortures they create
for our skin of black pearl
remembers all that gave it's shape

brave black lambs share with her
all the hurt that comes to pass
a pit within begins to stir –
lovely grieving, dewdrops on morning grass

sunlight reveals once again
fresh blood that coats our foyers
hateful shouts from the men 
his honor rejecting our lawyers,
their bibles rejecting our prayers

hate of their own, here now and then
ignoring our children's cry
so she swims with the sea of black pearls

peaceful fist raised high


About the Poet
Ruby Rodriguez Nellis resides in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Read the poet's biography and Young Poets World publications on Ruby Rodriguez Nellis's Artist Page.

Young Poets Collection
This poem is also featured in Young Poets Collection #1, published in the Young Poets World Library.

Keywords: Black pearls, civil rights, raised fist, solidarity, peace

Previously published in Young Poets 12 and Under:
Falling
by Marija Djeri

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