hook

The eyes of the fallen
watch me
from behind a green and white curtain
a giant wall
between those who lost them
and me
and they tell me
without telling me
that this is not my fight
this is not my war
but I should still feel guilty
should pledge my allegiance
and never expect a thank you
or compassion
because it is not my battle
and I've already lost.

heavy

another wave
another man dead
another protest
another waste of time
because we will all be back here
next week
and the week after that
when another black boy plays in the street
with a plastic toy
or buys an iced tea
asks for help
cooperates
can't breathe.

i can't breathe.