The Wailing and Grinding of Teeth

Children are torn from their parents' weeping bosoms,

While Mother trains her brain to use past tense for her daughter,

And Grandfather beats his breast as his grandson is entombed.

Total strangers are forced into the public arena with hungry tigers

As they debate the fate of another stranger who snatched life away.

Little black boys lay sleeping under blankets of dirt soaked in tears

As Congressman bicker back and forth about their worth.

Fathers killed on their son's birthday, grasping for a single breath.

Those who kneeled for the anthem that promised equality for all,

All the white, rich men, while others feel knees on their necks.

I. Can't. Breathe.