Parade

Seven ladies
and seventeen gentlemen 
at the Elks Club Lounge 
planning planning a parade: 
Grand Marshal in his white suit
will lead it.
Cadillacs with dignitaries 
will precede it.

And behind will come 
with band and drum
on foot. . . on foot. . . 
on foot. . .

Motorcycle cops,
white, 
will speed it 
out of sight
if they can: 
Solid black, 
can't be right.

Marching. . . marching. . .
marching. . .
noon till night. . .

I never knew
that many Negroes 
were on earth, 
did you?

I never knew!

    PARADE!

A chance to let

    PARADE!

the whole world see

    PARADE!

old black me!