Seeing Cathee in the Post Office
Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. Two months later on June 5th, Bobby Kennedy followed him, gunned down for his support of Israel. That Spring, I graduated from high school into a world of chaos. I've watched it get worse; but many things have improved over the decades. It depends on our perceptions and how they shadow our eyes, ears, and minds.
Seeing Cathee in the Post Office
I amble down the long gray foyer,
walls lined with boxes.
A man pulls out his TIME and wallstreetjournal,
his khaki trousers pleated just so
black designer sweater tucked
across well-toned abs
for emphasis.
My immediate response condemns him -- Metros
replacing locals -- like her -- a woman clad
in denim shirt, clogs peeking
under perfectly draped belled jeans.
a sleek black coat frames the ensemble.
As I push the door to escape,
I hear my name
a dry panic freezes my exit.
The woman in clogs and bells.
I search her advancing form,
My god, she knows me but once again
My mind can’t fill in the context.
When her face comes into focus,
I reel with joy!
My dear friend Cathee.
How did I not know her?
Aha! Differently-coiffed
smiling warily
at her ding-bat friend
so filled with scorn
who can’t tell friend
from stranger.
Local or invader
We all come from somewhere
Else.
Do eons really matter?
Turtle's back or slave ship
Steerage or Conastoga
Business jet or VW bus.
We're all here now.
Just for grins, let’s start a conversation: How many prejudices do we have that hinder our advancement as a global society?
Racial
Gender
Sexual orientation
Economic level
Social status
Fame/notoriety
Caste
Nationality
Religion or philosophy
Age
Physical abilities
Mental health
Generation
Fashion sense
Mental capacity
Education level/degrees
Introvert/extrovert
Buying habits
Birth rate
Household configuration
Political views
Community involvement
Career choice and status
Stay-at-home Mom/Dad
Genetic heritage
Cultural background
Life skills levels
What can you add to this long list of prejudices?
If you enjoyed this poem, feel free to explore more poems, essays, and stories in the Ring Around the Basin Archive. And don’t forget to comment if you want. Let’s start a conversation.
Gosh, this really made me stop and think. Thanks, Sue. x
"My immediate response condemns him.." A behavior we learned in caves, carrying clubs. The decision to fight or flee had to be made quickly, so we learned to make instant judgements - many of which were correct, and many, not. But we survived. Most of us pride ourselves on being non-prejudiced. But as I peruse your list, Sue, I know I still ( and often) make snap judgements in many of those categories -- and I have had my entire long life to free myself of them. A thought provoking post, my friend.