Where's Waldo? Poem by Eddie Henderson

Dedicated to the Family of Ryan Moats (Google Him)

Is it just me?
Or can racism be affiliated with a global game of Where’s Waldo?
A universally recognizable character whose image is cemented in the psyche of so many
Children of the civil rights movement in the sixties could pick him out by memory

Presently it’s like we’ve lost track of where this diabolical fiend is at
“Covertly” hidden in a lavish drawing representing perfection
Blue skies, clouds, children laughing and holding hands, a nation united everyone saying “yes we can! ” But Waldo’s out there somewhere…just out of detection

If you’ve ever seen a Where’s Waldo book, you know that there are many fakes to throw you off track
Those are the uncomfortable clutches of pocket books and slips of the N Word from your white friends who are quick to take it back
There are many editions to this popular character as well
He comes in different shapes and colors, we all know the theory of the crab in the barrel

He was once spotted in Jena Louisiana and caused a big fuss for oh…a few months
Then...Poof! Waldo had slipped from right underneath us
Most recently, Waldo was spotted in Dallas disguised as a police officer...a popular choice
Pulled over the Moats family after running a red light but this stop was different

Moats was with his wife trying to get one last moment with her dying mother in the hospital
The officer refused to let them out saying…I can screw you over
Mother in law passed without Moats getting to say goodbye
There goes Waldo Again, staring him right in the eyes
What’s the solution?

Is there a solution may be a better question
I do believe this game is taught through each passing generation
And as the world gets smaller and the melting pot keeps mixing
Then maybe we will see a solution to this problem that’s way overdue for fixing