I Can’t Breathe

“I Can’t Breathe” 

“I can’t breathe”

Words that usually demand a reaction

Words that usually lead us to assess the situation

“I can’t breathe”

Words pled with desperation

Instead a camera flicked on out of fear and anticipation…

That something would happen

That something would change

That someone would recognize that this man has a name

...and a home

...and a family

...and plenty of reason to live

What happened to that heart that would allow it to be deaf 

To the hurt and the struggle

caused by the knee on his neck?

“I can’t breathe”

says the man

“I can’t breathe”

Say his name

“I can’t breathe”

says George Floyd

as his pain came to an end.

“Raphah!” cried the crowd

“Raphah!” not “be still”

“Enough!” cries the Lord

“Enough!” not “be still”

Enough! 

...of the hate

Enough!

...apathy

Enough!

...of the fear

Enough! 

...stagnancy

Enough!

..cries my heart

Enough!

...I can’t breathe

Enough!

...being silent

Enough!

...being still

Enough!

...doing nothing while our siblings are killed