I Can't Breathe

I can't… Breathe. My wind pipe has been cut off as I choke on my own words.

It's in these moments that I really envy the birds.

Too scared to buy something to protect myself yet terrified of what can happen if I don't.

Too afraid to comply yet too afraid of what can happen if I won't.

Afraid to raise my fist.

Because it looks like I'm trying to resist.

Why does it have to be like this?

Why do I live in fear of the people that are meant to protect me? How come every time I've been pulled over, I wondered if I would make it back to my family?

I have so many questions yet no answers. All I know is that this is not how life should be.

Yet people still bash Kapernick for taking a knee.

I may not have answers to the questions running marathons in my mind, but can you at least see? Can you understand my frustration? Can you see why I fear?

Are you finally listening? Can you finally hear?

Y'all may be thinking that this is about George Floyd, but I'm still crying out for Emmett Till.

65 years ago and I feel like we're not there. Like we have a long way to go still.

I pray for a day when I'm not afraid to go out for a jog or to go to a store to get some snacks while I'm wearing a hood.

To no longer be judged through the lenses with which society views my pigment. To be judged solely based on my actions as every man should.

But until then what should I do? Pretend that I don't see the stares that I'm given? Act like I don't see you clutch your purse when I'm around?

Should I just stand idly by as if these issues don't rock me to my core? Or just stand in fear? Too afraid to make a sound?

But I can no longer remain silent. Social injustice and discrimination are both still alive and well today. Yet you want me to pretend that it's no longer relevant just because it's not trending on your feed anymore.

You want me to put on a front, because it's an uncomfortable subject. When I'm the one terrified to step out of the door.

Just for once. Feel my pain. Understand my fear. Help me create a world that the next generation won't have the feeling of being inferior.

Let's really live by the saying that all men are created equal. Let's become a nation where only one being remains superior.

-Conscience

Thought: Let's be the change that we want to see in the world. Treat EVERYONE with kindness, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion. Always remember to treat others the way that you would want to be treated.