Train

My mother took me and my sister on a train down South to visit grandmom. We were children at the time.
What stands out, is the memory of my mother feeling as if she didn't belong on the train. She sougth out the most uncomfortable and hidden place to sit, like she didn't want to be found out! I'm sure she paid her money like everyone else did. I felt as if she didn't want to disturb the white people...this was back in the sixties.
Instead of it being a pleasurable train ride it seemed akward.
A white man happened by and seeing my mother's predicament, ushered her to a better arrangement.
He understood how my mother was thinking and he would have none of it!
I marveled at how white people could just go anywhere, like they owned everything, without looking like they didn't belong!
... I'm sitting there feeling less than!
It's a feeling I fight even today.