Photograph Exercise

Will you grow up to hate people like me?

You have no comprehension of black or white,

You only see the people and hear the noise.

But soon you'll be taught the slurs and insults,

Encouraged to join this group for real.

In your white robe and hood,

You toddle over to where I stand guard,

Reaching out to touch my riot shield,

Patting my black hand before you toddle off again.

Will you remember this day at all? 

 © 2014  Teresa Kander