Just for Being

I recently read a report by the Human Rights Watch, a not-for-profit watchdog that is usually the authority on these things, that the country of Israel’s treatment and policies towards Palestinian residents amount not only to Crimes Against Humanity but legally defined apartheid.

And as an African man in the world and a black man in the United States, it really weighed heavy on my heart.

Because I’ve lived it, I’ve seen it, and I know what it does. So, I had this to say.

This is not a political stance but a statement of solidarity for the rights of humanity. These things are happening in Jerusalem, in Gaza, and in the West Bank but it is not the first time that they’ve happened before. It won’t be the last either. Many times, in various places, they’ve taken event in the exact same order.

I’m not here to argue sides. But I know what I stand for… do you?

Just for Being

made the lesser of equal twos

identities removed

and refused the right to choose

slowly convinced to believe it’s true

backed into a corner

and dared to move

stripped of everything that made you whole

culture erased

and forced to escape

the force and leverage of power’s hold

your history revised

your language compromised

just

for being…

waiting for the day

though it may never come

every path comes back full circle

one bad part dilutes the sum

freedom comes with costs for both

and justice is the last thing guaranteed

babies lives lost out to war

human beings

kicked

and beaten in the street

just for being ….

see

what we are we can’t decide

but what not to be

is within our reach

you’ve made your choice

and I’ve made mine

can we at least agree

to show some humanity