When I was in Charlottesville

By Gil Hoy

When I was in Charlottesville
studying the law.

Where the vestiges
of racism

Were carefully hidden
under a rug.

Its stain absorbed
by the wise, aging wood

Or swept away by
a black, hopeful janitor.

He diligently cleaned
Jefferson’s hallways
and bathrooms

So that one or more
of the gentrified students

Might one day
stamp out the racism

Still permeating America’s
noble, hallowed halls.

 

Category: SNHU Creative Writing, SNHU online creative writing