Elephant In The Room

Elephant in the Room

by

Curtiss L. Hayes, Jr.

I’ve had many white friends over the years

and I believe most were genuine souls

I admit sometimes to avoid confrontation

I kept my tongue about things I oppose

There were some slight off-handed remarks

That I would simply let slide

Was concerned more for the friendship

Left my thoughts and feelings deep inside

But those are not really true friendships

And if I had it to do over again

I hope I would choose to speak my mind

Even if it meant losing a friend

Looking back it seems like it would’ve been best

If we’d been open and honest with each other

I wonder, sometimes, when I wasn’t around

What my white friends said to one another

I am not putting the blame entirely on them

They spoke their mind more than I did

I just should’ve been more comfortable

Instead of my thoughts, keeping hid

Now America is talking about the elephant in the room It’s taken 400 years so I guess it’s about time

Both sides, to your corner, put your gloves down

Boxing this long makes this a national crime

Penned July 6, 2020

Copyright 2020

Curtiss L. Hayes, Jr.