There is a time in everyone's life; a calling to take a stand and it is your truth. |
An Awakening A star studded sky on a peaceful night, going to take my girl for a sweet delight. Friday night is a movie, we agreed to meet. Popcorn, a soda, listening to her laugh; a treat. Spring in Atlanta is moonlight and magnolias. The 1950’s are drive-ins, sock hops, Four Roses hid away in a flask, for proper dry county days. Friday nights are love and a little boozing away. Crossing the town square; I walk to the Strand. Shadows of trees, benches, statue of a special man. General Lee on his bronze horse, our valiant legacy. Men sprawled asleep, cops looking for vagrancy. Daddy once told me a story about this park. The family gave land to the city with a condition. No black bottoms should belong in a seated position. Inebriated white men were gently re-positioned. A flashlight beam suddenly hits the cement. “You sorry nigra, your days are spent” I should’ve kept walking, like a ghost, just disappear. But the old black man was a friend, for many a year. Wally looked so scared, his eyes bugging out. He wasn’t aware of what Mr. Blue was talking about. Had no idea he’d done anything wrong, I cringed, the nightstick swung down, a sick sound. Tears filled my eyes, poured down my cheeks. I realised life was easy, my breath so care free. Never had to worry about nobody but me. My white life is a gentle wind blowing past oak trees. A decision was made right then and there. To speak out for the disadvantaged and treated unfair. Writing the truth, put out embers of pain filled wraith. A hurricane is coming, I must forge a peaceful path. By Kathie Stehr Jan 5, 2021 From archives of Georgia History: This land for the well known park in Marietta actually had this stipulation in it at one time. The incident described is one of fiction. |