My world is no longer butterflies and rainbows 

No longer do I look up to those in blue 

No longer do I trust the authority I’m told will protect me 

How can I? 

 

“I didn’t even do nothing.”- Sam DuBose 

 

How can I? 

When there are humans killed for 

Buying snacks 

Walking home 

Having a mental illness 

Wait...no 

It’s the color of their skin 

That gives them a death sentence. 

 

“What are you following me for?”- Trayvon Martin 

 

How can I? 

When I am surrounded by guns 

All pointed in the direction of an innocent man 

Who wants to see his family 

One. Last. Time. 

 

“Why’d you shoot me?”- Kendrec McDade 

 

How can I? 

When protesters are called thugs 

And teargassed 

As gun toting rioters are called very good people 

By a leader with over 25 sexual assault accusations 

 

“It’s not real.”- John Crawford 

 

How can I? 

As we get closer to civil war 

And I remember the history I was raised on. 

I refuse to be silent. 

Will you kneel on my neck too? 

 

“I can’t breathe.”- George Floyd