I Can’t Breathe

You’re infamous.
Isn’t that what 
you wanted? 
A legacy of hate.
You’re Nellie Norton
of 2020.
“Your” war ended
155 years ago, yet
you proudly wave 
the Stars and Bars, 
reminding us that, 
for you,
nothing has changed.

-1955-
Emmett Till (like Trayvon), 
hungry,
walked to the corner store.
Carolyn lied - said Till flirted, whistled, grabbed her waist.
Her husband beat Emmett, shot Emmett, and dumped Emmett in the river.
14 years old
Cause of death: his blackness

-2020-
Ahmaud Arbery (like you),
restless,
went for a jog.
William Bryan lied - said Arbery broke into houses in the neighborhood.
Gregory and Travis McMichael chased Ahmaud, shot Ahmaud, and killed Ahmaud.
25 years old
Cause of death: his blackness


You’re brave.
Isn’t that what 
you wanted?
A career in blue.
You’re the G-man,
the heat, yet
you proudly display
that silver badge, 
reminding us that
you can, you have, and you will continue to
murder.

-2015-
Freddie Gray (like us),
scared,
carried a switchblade.
Police lied - said Gray’s possession was illegal in Maryland.
Officers leg laced Freddie, tossed Freddie, and knocked Freddie unconscious.
25 years old
Cause of death: his blackness

-2020-
George Floyd
lived. 
in Minneapolis
Police lied - said Floyd committed forgery.
Officer’s knee pressed against the back of George’s neck for nine minutes.
46 years old
Cause of death: his blackness.



This    is    modern-day    lynching.    This    is    our    America.