Segregation

segregation

 

The first week of school

it was time to be chosen

to play ball

The new girl, Rosa, stood

 in the same spot,

often in the same dress

and because I was shy too,

I stood beside her

waiting to be friends

each of us smiling

neither of us thinking

of anything to say

By the end of the week

my friends

from the year before

weren't speaking either

not to me, not to Rosa

until the day I wanted

 to play kick ball

and while I was moving

around the field,

Mary and Martha,

the blond twins,

said we can't play with you

if you don't stop

standing with Rosa.

When I returned

to stand with Rosa,

her big eyes looked at me

and her dress seemed

even longer than before

but I didn't say anything

we only smiled, uncertain

with each other

One day she disappeared

somewhere on a different bus

to a new zoning

and no one spoke of her

again

So I played kick ball

but sometimes

 I would look back

quickly

in her old direction

where something sad

and invisible still stood.

 

 

Reviews

[Nicole Hellene]

When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to show my mom my new friend, so I grabbed her by the hand and said "there she is, over there, the girl with the black hair and white collar, don't you see her? She's right there!" Of course it was a catholic school so every girl had a white collar and most had black hair, it never occured to me to say "the one with the dark skin." My parents laugh about it to this day.

[Rie Sheridan Rose]

This is my 1000th review, and I wanted it to go to a piece from my favorite poet, so I came to your first listed poem. :)

What a gem of a poem this is. It delivers a very telling and important message without being blatant or overbearing. Such delicacy and yet, poignant strength. I think this is one of your best, Phibby. Glad I stumbled over and found it.

[C.m.v]

This is very touching. Very well written. It really took me back to school days when kids were just plain mean. It seems there was always one they liked to pick on. Me? I always be-friended the ones that got picked on, and that person was a better friend than the other 20 jerks that were bullies!
Great piece...great writing.

[J. Hampton]

Thats gully ....
I like this....very much . The dress symbolizm was kinda deep....at least I went there...
The dress a visual reminder of the girls poverty, solitude, and called "you?" into standing yet.

Nice work...
I believe I am a fan...
I'll be back for more

Blesssssssssssssss

[Monica]

I love this poem...brings to mind my first grade friend Hazel...she stood alone also.