awestruck

Andrew Valko

Happy New Year 1999,

FOR THE WHITE PERSON WHO WANTS TO KNOW HOW TO BE MY FRIEND

by Pat Parker

    The first thing you do is to forget that I'm black.     Second, you must never forget that I'm black.

    You should be able to dig Aretha,     but don't play her every time I come over.     And if you decide to play Beethoven -- don't tell me     his life story.  They make us take music appreciation, too.

    Eat soul food if you like it, but don't expect me     to locate your restaurants     or cook it for you.

    And if some Black person insults you,     mugs you, rapes your sister, rapes you,     rips your house or is just being an ass --     please, do not apologize to me     for wanting to do them bodily harm.     It makes me wonder if you're foolish.

    And even if you really believe Blacks are better lovers than     whites -- don't tell me. I start thinking of charging stud fees.