Kenya Evans and Robert Pruitt, The Golden Rule Does Not Apply Here, 2014, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artists
We don’t serve Niggers
Sit… look straight
Ahead… eyes on the prize.
Back erect… head tilted… you are
African Kings and Queens… wearing
penny loafers… bangs
Fear must be contained.
Remain cool… think of Smokey Robinson’s smooth voice.
Just a burger please…
We don’t…
Strawberry cake for me
Honky spit… on the face. Wipe it. Segregated napkins too.
No cheese…please…
Remember the ancestor call
Just a little ice…
I’m allergic to cheese.
There is power in non-violence,
Can break the bigots’ bones…
Make them swallow their Bible verses
Shaped like burning crosses.
Hold…hold the line…
also no pickles…
Blonde one with the glass eye
called you “Porch Monkey”.
For dessert… I’ll have
we don’t serve…
Resist…
The jail awaits you
better to remain
Still… that is what bothers the racist. Peace.
Do you have any ice cream?
The home-made kind…
I like chocolate
the darker the better.
I said we don’t…
Bloody mouth
Teeth cracked.
Hold…
Resist
There’s power in
Resistance
But how long?
More spit.
Poem by Thomas Meloncon