Words
struggle to proceed out my mouth
while funeral processions
raged-filled riots
and peaceful protests
in one voice cry “No justice, no peace”
while Lady Justice turns
a blind eye
from broken bronze bodies laid
in mahogany
“No justice, no peace!”
readily perceived as a warcry
yet a lament which leave lips
leaving hearts to sing the dirge
“No justice, no peace”
barely seeing justice carried out
peace becoming a deferred dream.

It is said
all men are created equal
created by their Creator
inalienable rights given
Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness
Yet those of ebon hue
pursue this truth as but a dream
not given dignity of being human
instead treated as chattel
like cattle
soulless beings viewed as property
objectified
if not simply seen as other
exotic
strange
thing to be feared

We exist
enslaved
We rebel
slaughtered
We speak
silenced
We stand up
feared
How is it
you appreciate night skies
soiled earth
marvel at obsidian
be in awe of black holes
yet
once your eyes behold
beautiful black skin
fear, hate, envy, disgust
fumes from your pores