ODE TO TRENT LOTT

I remember sitting on the floor
watching women sew
hoods and robes

remember not seeing
a Negro (except for
Uncle Jim's Snowball

and Scottie) until
my first trip to town.
and then wondering why

they hung their head
and moved off the sidewalk
to accommodate our passing.

Saw Dixie swing her purse
at a "young buck" who
jostled her as he passed.

Why, Mother? Because
she was upset. Why do
they hang their heads?

Because. Just Because.