The Ricki And Copper Show Poem by Romella Kitchens

Take a deep breath and look back.
What hurts us due to race is sometimes the small slight, the pushing away or to the side, the insensitive rejection, especially during one's childhood.
Very young, I watched her television show.
Even though it was in black and white I was certain she had pretty red hair.
She had a dog named Copper.
It was Pittsburgh in the 1960's and I loved her, the stories she told, the kindness to animals she taught through example.
They announced children could come to the television studio and dance, celebrate Copper's birthday party but you had to RSVP.
My mother called and was told Black children could not attend...
It might send the 'wrong message' to regular viewers.
But, Black children were very much so amongst regular viewers.
I just had to see Ricki, Copper surely they didn't hate someone who loved them so completely.
My mother called the head of the station and the ban on Black children was lifted.
I went to the studio with my older brother as a chaperone and I danced. I danced. I danced!
Still, my heart had unhealed pieces to it when I got home.
I watched other shows after that or read, played outside.
I still loved Ricki but with caution tapes around that love, foreboding.
Remember, sometimes those people you would dismiss would never dismiss you.
They would open their arms for a hug from you and pet your dog tenderly while wishing him the warmest happy birthday.