I can’t breathe

This is for all the George Floyd’s out there-“…. I CAN’T BREATHE…. ”

Racism is breathing on my face
Kneeling on my back
Pushing me out of me
I can’t breathe.

+++++++++++++++++++++

I can’t breathe
Because I am being side-eyed
I can’t breathe because I am undocumented
Racism dey “para for Yankee” and hunger dey ginger for home.

+++++++++++++++++++++

I can’t breathe because you have seen me
My black skin is offensive to your peace
I don’t know what offense you would say I committed
I restart my breathing after you have passed by and no spinning lights show up coloring my dark skin.

+++++++++++++++++++++

I can’t breathe
Because I can see your uniform
My heart is racing and my head is pounding in my hoodie
Sweat dribbling down my legs into my kicks.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Can I see your papers
Show me some identification
Put your hands where I can see them
Step out of the car slowly and don’t breathe.

+++++++++++++++++++++

At school, in the mall and parks, I can’t breathe
Because I can see bitter gall in your eyes
Just a whisper from you
Boots, guns, tasers, chokeholds, and knees.

+++++++++++++++++++++

We used to kneel to pray
Men now kneel to slay
Hands in the pocket, knee at the back and on the neck
I can’t breathe.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Red, black, white or brown
No matter what color you are
Give love a chance
There is enough air for all to breathe.
Selah.
©️Ovyay 2020.

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