An Illustration of the Privilege

An Illustration of the Privilege

The day, grey

And wet,

I, in oilskin, hood,

ball cap, backpack

all black,

waited

for a walk signal.

A family, some friends,

And an old woman waited as well,

all of us

white.

Polite nods from all

but old white woman,

who strained out a smile

with slightly widened eyes.

I realized how closely

My attire resembled

A wanted poster

for the then recent

Boston Bombings.

I forgave her reaction.

Then a man arrived,

30ish, fit,

Clean casual clothes,

A young professional

Off work,

Out to relax.

Old woman turned to greet him

But gave the same face as to me,

And also gripped purse tight

And moved it in front of herself

While turning away.

He noticed.

“Oh sure, a black man arrives and it’s ‘hide the valuables!’ What the hell!?” 

He stormed off in anger, no longer waiting for the light’s permission.

Chris Walters

2016