In a world where elevator rides can feel like a microcosm of society itself, a single moment can expose deep-rooted fears and prejudices. Imagine a three-piece-suited college dean, confident and dignified, stepping into an elevator—only to be met with an unexpected response from a woman who sees him. Her instinct to turn away raises unsettling questions about race, perception, and the echoes of history reverberating through time. Was this a scene from a bygone era—perhaps Little Rock in 1955? No, it was a stark reminder of 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. This poignant poem captures that shocking, cringe-inducing moment when fear challenges the fabric of everyday encounters. Let’s delve into a narrative that’s all too familiar yet painfully relevant, one that urges us to confront uncomfortable truths. LEARN MORE
There was a college Dean
who always wore
a three piece suit.
He was 42 and 6 ft. tall.
One day he went
to visit a friend.
He was alone
in the elevator
when a woman appeared
before the door closed
She saw the man
and turned away.
The man was black
and she was afraid
Was it 1955
in Little Rock, Arkansas?
No! it was 2015
in St. Louis, Missouri
