Pale: something that lacks color and is often associated with something that is no longer living. In this instance, the paleness can attribute to the white race, being that the entire poem thus far has involved the sharp contrast of racial stirs. The connotation of "snakes" depicts them as being sneaky and manipulative. The officials in the photograph were to ensure safety as a civic duty. However, they too were lifeless and manipulative. As a police officer, safety and security should be offered to all people, however African Americans at the time were denied such, based on racial demographics.