Belated BLACK HISTORY MONTH Honoree: Mr. Moore

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Mr. Moore

—I never knew his first name—

was a security guard

at Jefferson High School

In my early days

as a "Donut Hustler"

on that campus,

I needed early morning access

to classrooms

and thrice I asked 

Mr. Moore if he would

admit me to those rooms

 

Thrice he said NO

 

But when it was established

that donuts were sold

to raise money for concerts

on the same stage

that had been graced by

Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole

—et al—

Mr. Moore 

became my gatekeeper

and friend

 

For the last ten years

of my professional employment

in Los Angeles,

We did a lot of high-fiving

but I distinctly remember

a very firm handshake

with Mr. Moore

shortly before my retirement

in 2004

 

All I will add to the above

is that 

every friggin' word

is 100 percent true

***

 

© PAUL OLIVERIO ©

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