Jackie Robinson
Black man rule breaker
Number 42.
Owes that big chance
To an empathetic
General Manager
Who plainly saw a black’s
Superiority in physique
And reflex.
Day off in midst of
Three game stint in Atlanta.
Horace the limo driver
Took him to the countryside.
Cotton fields in particular
Now leaning on the fence
Observing the sweating
The back breaking
The growing heap of white bolls
In wicker hampers
The spiritual songs sung
Passing the time.
One picker woman
Recognized the Champ.
Many Saturday night
Broadcasts heard on her porch
With excited neighbours.
She was the one
Unofficially calling
The work break
For genuine fellowship
And laughter
And back patting.
Jackie knew the
Kinship was there.
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