The next time Sandra Bland
Should drive through a particularly bigoted town,
She should make sure she does so
with her windows rolled right down,
so the officer can see her hands, and is reassured
she’s not storing an assault rifle in her lap.
She should also – I don’t know – try being polite;
That is to say, female and white –
For when a white policeman is in pursuit,
A black woman is only acceptable if mute.
Still, Sandra fell silent in the end,
So it’s doubtful anything she now says can offend.
The usual will happen:
People will loudly gawp at the injustice
But quietly conclude her temper was not to be trusted.
Sandra’s crime was simply that:
Smoking a cigarette while black –
Another heinous vice to add to the list,
Such as attending Bible class in Charleston,
Or simply daring to exist.
