Guilty For Being Black

Ahmaud Arbery jogging through the neighborhood –
White men thinking – he can’t be up to any good.
So they go and arm themselves with guns.
That was the end of Ahmaud’s life and his run!

It hit me that day – that could be me!
As I ride my bike, my color is all they see.
And through their eyes, I may look suspect.
That would be sufficient to keep
their impulse to shoot, unchecked.

Imagine that – guilty for being Black.

I see the American Flag as I ride,
But often it’s not alone.
It’s common to see one of Trump at its side.
And each time I can’t help but feel thrown.
With that consistent pairing,
The American Flag has taken on a new meaning.
So now even when the flag stands alone,
I feel that same chill to my bone.
It’s not to be judge or jury,
Believe me, I roll it in my mind with much fury –
But Trump has made clear all that he stands for.
So if you stand with him, how can I not expect an encore?

Imagine that – guilty for being Black.
Not feeling safe – even with what should be sacred.

Now with Covid-19,
We’re asked to cover our face.
But that decision has not been easy –
It’s not a behavior that Blacks can readily embrace.
To some, Black with a mask is even more of a threat.
So with or without a mask – there is an increased chance of death.
How ironic – those with the loudest voice
refuse to wear a mask because
for them, death is not imminent
And they have the luxury of choice.

Imagine that – guilty for being Black.
Not feeling safe – even with what should be sacred.
Which death to choose – One by Covid or
someone who shoots?

Blacks have tried to get others to see.
The dilemmas of their reality.
One man softly protest during a game –
People went insane!
So as a group they take to the streets –
Now it’s seen as a choice between them and police.
There has never been a right time or a right way.
And there will never be one, if people are not willing to change.

Imagine that – guilty for being Black.
Not feeling safe – even with what should be sacred.
Which death to choose – One by Covid or
someone who shoots?
No way to fight back – there’s always gonna to be flak.

Nothing new – the plights for Blacks continue –
Racist views – some still give it support, or
support it staying on course.
There are others who underscore
or just blatantly ignore.
Blacks are human – we already exist.
There is a choice of standing still
Which would lead to life getting more desperate
Until some get what they want – which is to eliminate.
Or we can keep the fight –
At least with that, there is a chance to make things right!

Those who are not, try this thought –
Imagine if you were guilty for being Black.
Silence or fighting back?
If you were fighting for your Rights –
Would you allow intimidation or fear keep you silent?
If it were you, which would you choose?
Indeed, what would you have to lose?