The latest media storm around black bodies and law enforcement happened 5 miles from my house and 3 miles from where I work. I actually drive through #FalconHeights often, on the way home or a friends house. Please remember when you’re consuming media and data that at the end of the day these are people. This is my community. This is my home. #PhilandoCastile is my neighbor. And that’s where our response lies, church–in radically affirming that he too, is created in the Imago Dei.
when death is so near
I can’t seem to turn off the news
Tune out the screens
It’s everywhere
brown bodies
black lives
the debating between who’s humanity
is actually seen
this time the body fell,
not so far from me
it’s on the street that I drive to work
or home sometimes, from my friends
i’ve stopped at that gas station before
these people are not in a place far away
where the tears burn someone else’s eyes
and i can tune out the screams on tv
i may have seen them at the grocery store
there’s no mute button for reality
so I’m caught in this between
my body
where I recognize
that same deep color in my own eyes
black lives
brown lives
we share the same demise
that my soul is deconstructed before my body is recognized
the fault must be mine that I want to survive
but to criminalize white bodies?
that’d be the crime
i know their fear is worth more than mine
and death is never as near
when you’re recognized
for who you are– human
i don’t get Burger King
and a bullet proof vest
the only bullets are put through my chest
each time i hear the acquittal
i won’t be treated the same
if I’m shoved to the ground
so say my name
When death is so near
you hear us say
Black Lives Matter
as a reminder
our fear counts too
When death is so near
you hear us say
brown lives matter
it’s a reminder we’re still here
those left behind
When death is so near we must repeat
like that old hymn refrain
a call and response
that reminds
victory isn’t lost
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter.
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