Color Blind Innocence

They looked at me with disgust in their eyes The moment that I walked in The hatred and fear they felt inside Based on the color of my skin I was just a stranger passing through Who simply got lost on his way I stopped in to get some food Not realizing prejudice was the price to pay All heads turned and followed me As I found my way to an open seat The once noisy room was silent now The waitress – afraid of me to greet I smiled and nodded my head to the few Who dared to look me in the eye I knew that they all wanted me gone But I couldn’t comprehend the reason why Then a little boy returning to his seat From the men’s rest room stall Stopped right in front of me, and said, “Why he doesn’t look mean at all” I smiled at him and said, “No, son, I am not the boogey man Just someone travelling about Trying to get a meal if I can I’m sorry if I disturbed your peace I am not trying to make a stand I saw the restaurant sign from the road And I am hungry, you understand If you can overlook the simple fact That my skin is a different color than yours I promise I will do no wrong Then get back on my tour” “That’s okay, Mister, I don’t mind I’m not scared like everyone else I was told I should love everyone The same as I love myself” “Well the person who taught you that Is certainly a very smart woman or man And if they are in this room, Well, I would like to shake their hand” “Sure, Mister, it was my Dad And you can come sit and eat with us I think if you weren’t sitting all alone There wouldn’t be so much fuss.” The little boy took my hand To everyone else’s surprise The Dad stood up and shook my hand With a twinkle of pride in his eyes “I guess my boy learned his lesson well Though the rest of us did not How to welcome a stranger to our town I guess we all forgot” Everyone went back to their meals And the fear just passed away Thanks to a polite little boy Whose innocence saved the day