Empathy Mining
This tranquil little town glimmers in the magic hour of dusk
Like a postcard or a Rockwell painting
Happy people get in last minute shopping
The fading light makes their skin sparkle and glow
As they nod politely at passers-by
Before the shopkeeps head home for the night
Everyone seems to know everyone
A community bonded by familiarity and similarity
Friendly, shiny, happy neighbors sit down to dinner
As the lights from their homes pierce through the advancing darkness
What could be more perfect?
A road-weary black family sees lights from this idyllic scene
Aglow on the distant horizon
An oasis, perhaps, where they can find a good meal and a warm bed
They’ve been searching for a place like this for hours
The kids’ hopeful eyes peer over the back seat
The parents hold their breath in anticipation
As the town comes closer into view
Their hopes begin to fade
Replaced by yet more despair
The headlights illuminate the sign up ahead
“Nigger, don’t let the sun set on you here”
It’s just another Sundown Town
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