He adds
the problem with the blacks
in this city
is that they just can't govern themselves.

I'm too damn hungover to start an argument
or a fistfight
so I just think
that this is a huge change.

In the past
the issue was how
uppity the negroes were getting,
with their bus boycotts and whatnot.

You're supposed to have gray hair
to hold an opinion like this.
He says Birmingham was better
before the white folks moved out.

Back when the children played
in the streets during summer,
water and puppy dogs
courtesy of the commissioner of public safety.

The voice turns to a high pitched hum
as I half block it out. Time's up, finally.
I walk out the door. Can't resist shaking my head.
At least he didn't call anyone a nigger
while I was there.

10/14/2007

Author's Note: grrr.

Posted on 10/14/2007
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