Black Lives Matter
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This morning in the car Letter to the Free by Common started playing on my ‘Liked Songs’ Spotify playlist. It reminded me of my commitment to fight racism. I wrote this poem after the murder of George Floyd. Let’s keep fighting for equality alongside our black friends, and take time to listen to their stories.
Black Lives Matter
I will not stay silent
when a man cannot breathe.
I will not stay silent
even whilst I grieve.
For centuries and centuries
we’ve not let them breathe.
I will not stay silent
0r let our corporate conscience ease.
The colour of our skin,
for too long has shaped our stories
I will not stay silent
to cries of ‘I can’t breathe!’
Why should I get a head start,
simply for being white?
I will not stay silent,
I will bear my light.
To light up injustice,
the racism in this land
I will not stay silent
until truly it is banned.
I need to examine,
my own prejudice.
I will not stay silent
I will say it how it is.
A future is beckoning,
where unity is real.
I will not stay silent
I will strike no ‘deal’.
A man cries “I can’t breathe!”
His ’guardian’ ignores,
I will not stay silent,
the man breathes no more.
Let the anger flow,
but safely please, if so.
I will not stay silent
everyone must know.
Racism still prevails,
hidden or exposed
I will not stay silent
or keep my eyes closed.
Join me in this melody
where humanity loves again.
We will not stay silent,
speak out until racism ends.
