At the press conference, I say,
“I feel free now.
It was a great burden.
Yes, I thought the Court would rule in our favor.
No, our neighbors have not been hostile.
No, we do not bear a grudge
against the State of Virginia.
Yes, the children are six, seven, and eight.
No, they’re not aware of the case.
It’s best to leave them out of it.”
Somewhere in there I start crying, but not hot angry tears.
Tears stream down my cheeks
because so much has happened.
Nine years’ worth of tears
slide down my face.
Mr. Cohen says to the newsman,
“We hope we have put to rest the last vestiges of
racial discrimination
in Virginia and all over the country.”
When the cameras are gone
I begin thanking Mr. Cohen
and to my surprise
and maybe his too
I lift my arms and hug him.
The same with Mr. Hirschkop.
I am filled with joy.
Richard and I can go home now
and our family can live in peace.