"White Lies" by Natasha Trethewey

"White Lies" was a very enjoyable poem and allows the reader to gaze back at a familiar point that everyone in their life has experienced, rebellion.  The author captures a point in a young girl's life when she  is discovering the consequences for acting disobediently.  This poem also does a phenomenal job at capturing the racial tension that was prevalent when this poem was written.  Personally, I took this poem to mean that although black and white people may have different appearances, they all have the same struggles, having to fight the carnal desires of self gratification.  This poem also illustrates the common moral fiber that is placed at the heart of humanity despite race to teach our kids to act right and obediently.