We Say Your Names
One bullet—
to take a life.
~ While sleeping on a road trip,
all at peace,
dreaming the dreams
of the innocent.
~ Jumping on a trampoline,
the sweet celebration of loved ones,
birthday happiness.
~ Eating an on-the-go meal
in the back seat of the family car,
giggling at the silly face mama is
making in the mirror.
Dreaming, playing, laughing.
Joy silenced forever.
One bullet.
*****
If it’s true
that society is measured
by how it cherishes,
protects,
esteems—
its fragile,
vulnerable,
elderly,
and young—
what does it say when
harm is experienced
on our watch?
*****
Oh, but that burning summer of 2020,
consumed in emotion,
grief from the incomprehensible.
The visual assault upon our hearts
watching a man take his last breath,
knee upon the neck.
Collectively we cry.
Brothers and sisters,
groaning under the weight of that knee,
under the weight of injustice.
*****
All too often,
the pendulum swings wide
in response.
Burning hatred, revenge, destruction
trailing in its wake,
we rage against the machine.
Abolish.
Defund.
Dismantle.
But at what cost?
Who is left to protect our innocents?
*****
One bullet—
to take a life.
~ Ladavionne Garrett Jr., age ten,
still in a coma.
~ Trinity Ottoson-Smith, age nine.
~ Aniya Allen, age six.
Rest In peace sweet angels.
We say your names.
*****