I pulled my car door open...

I pulled my car door open,

And he startled me.


I don't know if my reaction 

Came from the dim-lighting or our ethnicities. 


It was cold. 

He needed a ride north.


I was heading for the Interstate. 

So I told him how far I could take him. 


He had a trimmed goatee 

Brown coat, dark pants. 


I don't remember much about his story. 

Something I regret.


He asked me what I did.

Like we were neighbors, talking.


He said I should write about affirmative action. 

I wasn't sure what influence he thought I had.


He said, “No, you have the people.”

And was gone.



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