Ruby

Ruby

Ruby Bridges was one of the first Black American pupils	
in a 'White' school 
after racial segregation was declared unconstitutional.

It was November 14th, 1960 when six year old Ruby sat in school alone,
children and teachers stayed at home. 

RUBY......

'My Mother took special care getting me dressed that day,
	new White shoes, stiffly starched White dress
		and a White ribbon in my hair'

She told me:  
'there may be a lot of people outside school today,	
	but there's no need to be afraid, 
		i'll be with you all the way'.

 Four federal US Marshal's came to the door to drive us to school.
	As we got in the car my Mother said:  
		'Ruby, I want you to behave yourself today and do what 			the Marshals say'.

 
As the Marshals extracted me from the Cavalcade
	a jangle of jeering shrieks rose from the barricade:

	2-4-6-8 we don't want to integrate, sang the protestors

I didn't know what these words meant
	After school, I taught a friend this chant

I guess when I heard the tirade 
	that we had stumbled on the Mardi Gras parade

THEN.....
 

The Whites of my eyes shone
	like those of a frightened Fawn
		as a protester held a coffin carrying a little Black doll.

ON LOOKER:

As the sun burns away haze from the Mississippi River
	large crowds began to gather.

White Women in Toreador pants 
	shouting hateful chants
		at the small Black girl in a starched White dress
			gripping her Mothers hand 

Surrounded by racial turmoil
 	yet courageous and standing tall 
		Ruby is an inspiration to us all.

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