Happy Sunday! Whew, I just made this story time. I will be alternating weeks this summer and featuring a new story every-other Sunday. Lawn Jockeys remain popular in the South even though they carry such negative connotations. This short fiction was written for a 100 word micro-fiction challenge. I had the help of a good writing friend to assist me with the painful cuts on this piece. What is left, I hope you enjoy.
No Trace of Blackness
Father and son cross the lawn of the estate each carrying one bucket of colonial white to touch up the columns; the ladder, on loan, links their arms.
They’ve never painted on this side of Calhoun. By the steps, a lawn jockey, red lips complimenting a cardinal vest; he’s been serving for a century. The pair strokes in silence, fearing “jigaboo chatter” might upset the owners.
Half-an-hour wait in the Carolina sun to receive half pay. Exiting, they swipe the exposed skin of Jocko converting his hands to clinched white stubs. Father and son leave no trace of blackness behind.
© khartless 2021, All Rights Reserved
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
Folks really need to repaint or remove those. I’ve seen them in Michigan too…
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Agreed. Cringe-worthy, and yet they just continue to be kitsch some places. They do have “white” lawn jockeys now, but I really can’t see one without thinking of its predecessor. Thanks for reading, John.
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They need to be removed, as painting them doesn’t erase the mental image of the original. I have yet to see one in the 3 years I’ve lived in TN which kind of surprised me. But I have seen plenty of confederate flags, which are just as cringe worthy.
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Yes. Those are hopefully also finally be outed for the racial supreme h behind them. I personally am also revolted by them.
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Do these things still exist? I’m surprised that shops sell them.
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They are still on lawns. This flash had to be in a historical fiction setting, so I was hoping it read like 1940’s/50’s, but I believe they can still be purchased in both white and black flesh tones.
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Reblogged this on Yard Sale of Thoughts and commented:
Super excited to announce that this microfiction placed second in its category for the first round of the NYC Midnight 100 Word Challenge. Can’t wait for round two!
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