I can’t breathe
And I haven’t been breathing for years
I’m too choked up on tears
Or was it actually fears?
I can’t breathe
Garner could not gather his breath in 2014
It was that cop’s job to suffocate on scene
He was protecting and serving like a heartless machine
I can’t breathe
Neither can Breonna Taylor after a misplaced raid
For innocently resting after EMT work a price was paid
Shot 8 times causing her light to fade
I can’t freaking breathe
Ultimate action for nonviolent crimes
Cops choked out George Floyd as he lay their confined
Joining the pantheon of those murdered in these times
I can’t breathe
When it is okay to kneel on black America’s neck
But lord willing we must keep Kapernick’s knee in check!
How dare he stand for equal respect
I can’t breathe
Because I’ve lost count of the cases
So many situations so many places
Just to breath while black sours their faces
I can’t breathe
Because I was sentenced at birth
My melanin determined my worth
Just who are you to judge me on Earth?
I can’t breathe
because I have to teach my son to hold his tongue and hold his breath
One wrong word could mean his death
But even when he complies his life could be stolen by racist theft
I can’t breathe
Because black America does not know whether to vote or fight
Either could. cause execution on sight
But am I supposed to live in fright?
I can’t breathe
The hands of racism threaten my life
Where there could be unity, they cause only strife
This is the reality of the black man, always under the knife
I can’t breathe
Thank you once again for writing such powerful words. I’m a better person for seeing your perspective and being exposed to your inner thoughts. We have to do better. You need to be able to breathe. And your son should be as carefree and childlike as my son. They are no different.
Thank you very, very much, Letavious.
Mac
Brilliant, beautiful and poignant! A true masterwork.