The Ashburn Old School “on the edge”
of Washington, D.C., Vandalized Last
Night
Might I apologize for an entire color?
I can’t—I didn’t make it, nor do I feel
intense affiliation. But whites (I figure
whites) have defaced an old school on
the cusp of finished restoration. An
old school that had been inhabited by
black students and, I guess, an all-black
staff. The problem in apologizing for
criminals is that I don’t know them. I
don’t know that kind of ugliness in hate.
I don’t get the relish manifest through
stupid, destructive action. I am sorry
though in a general, human way. I
apologize for all of us who are blind
when we can only see one color. I can
praise and thank you who are of color,
as all are, and who make strides by reaching
in and lifting up learning and the story,
however dismal certain chapters must
become. Learning is triumphant and,
we know, shall overcome.
October 5, 2016 at 6:26 am
this is a moving piece, brother! the event that inspired this is such sad, so sad. but you manage to be both honest and moving in this piece.
I am trying to highlight one impactful line but i cannot. this whole poem is the best as its whole.
October 5, 2016 at 7:55 pm
I’m happy, sister, that you like the piece. Yes, the vandalizing is stupid and maddening.
October 6, 2016 at 2:43 am
yeah. i agree. sigh.
October 6, 2016 at 8:56 pm
sigh, yes