Overheard on the train this morning

Older white woman, maybe in her 60s, looking at baby in a stroller: what a cute baby!



Black woman, maybe in her early 20’s, just getting on at Lloyd Center Stop: thanks.


Older woman: you must be the nanny


Black woman: why do I have to be the nanny?


Older woman: are you?


Black woman: No, I aint no damn nanny. This is my son.


Older woman: but you’re dark-skinned, and the baby is, well—


Black woman: --what? He’s light? What you trying to say?


Older woman: oh, I see a wedding ring. You’re married, that’s good. Is he white?


Black woman: yes. you got a problem with that, b***h?


The older woman shakes her head: well, at least you're married.

Black woman: and if i wasn't?

Silence for a minute.

Black woman: that 's what I thought.

Silence for the rest of my ride.