Delores
When I was quite young
No older than ten or eleven
There was a movie that played
Across the miles to reach me
Seated, cross-legged, in my parent’s
Single wide trailer, where there
Was hope for second chances
That harbored renewed inspiration
The movie I remember so well
That haunted me for years back then
Was “Roots”, a tale that was true
And filled my young heart with proof
That my race wasn’t always the one
To be proud of or come away from
Feeling sure of and building on the
Compassion that fell with their teardrops
After watching the week-long movie
I went to school and stood in the lunch
Line with my dear friend and confidant
Delores, who happened to also be black
I ask her quietly if she’d seen “Roots”
It was at that moment that I felt the first
Difference between our hearts and souls
She looked at me doubtfully and turned
Her eyes moved away toward the crowded
Cafeteria and she sighed without looking
At me, picked up her plate and left me
Uncertain and hesitant, without her
Friendship to console or comfort me
This time, I’d gone too far, I realized
By mentioning the truth that I didn’t
Know life had been so hard back then
For the people who were her ancestors
And those who knew her plight as a
Black girl who was growing up in small
Town America, with friends like me
Who only wanted to protect her and
Show her that I loved her enough to
Make sure that “Roots” would never
Become a sequel in these present moments!
For all the “Delores’” in this world
Roots moved me to a deeper love
For those who have known the struggle
Of grasping for freedom from hatred
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