James Marshall Goff Poet Narrative

The Demise of jim crow in Minneapolis

Fifty years ago...the age of self-reflection

Hollow crumbs, shadows of proud vestiges
As minneapolis' jim crow vanished slowly,
Painfully, no longer admired at country club
Cocktail parties celebrating ribbon-cuttings

My family was inside and unaware of history 
Working class achievement,
 First deli in marble edifice
To corporate greed,
 Connecting the longest Minneapolis
Skyway North to Washington Ave.
Dallas barons, puppet-masters

Guilding their empire on the backs
Of working class talent, eager to eat the
Crumbs of capitalism 

Spoon  (Mr Witherspoon) slaved to achieve the
Pinnacle of jim-crow "shoe-shine" stands in
 Pillsbury's new world headquarters
Admired in his community 
Proudly placed out front, then moved
To the back of a hair salon, ignoble-crushed

Under the weight of boardroom glare
jim-crow lost it's shine

Spoon

            Lost

                      His

                              Leg


4-18-25
5:55am

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Karen Jones December 17, 2025 at 4:59 AM Engaging and a different take on the losses. Enjoyed reading! James Marshall Goff December 22, 2025 at 3:15 AM Thanks for stopping by Karen! Spoon was my friend

Richard Lamoureux April 27, 2025 at 6:47 AM Times changed thankfully. I’m now concerned the pendulum is swinging back in that same direction. James Marshall Goff April 28, 2025 at 3:45 PM Thanks for visit Richard, don't think we the people will allow jc back, our freedom loving majority is too big, call it out boldly if you see it!