Game Over

 

I responded to the call

Like any eager gamer

Tracking his target.

Thrilled with the chase,

Ready to unload

at the slightest 

movement.

My life 

the only thing

that matters.

I turned the corner,

Trespassed, to gain ground,

Disturbed fallen leaves...

Power breeding confidence 

(And delicious fear)

You startled, Defensive 

reflexes to protect 

your own. Futile efforts.

Your shadow triggered me

Another learned tradition

never questioned

Like why southern trees 

still bear strange fruit*...

Why I need to hate you

To love me.

~written to speak truth to white power/racism that motivated a white police officer in Texas to kill medical student Atatiana Jefferson (another unarmed black citizen) as she played video games in her home with her nephew.

* Quote from the song Strange Fruit famously sung byBilly Holiday in the 1930s to protest racism and the horrors of lynching. Learn more here:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20190415-strange-fruit-the-most-shocking-song-of-all-time

~Photo Credit: Artist Nikkolas Smith:

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2019/10/21/artists-painting-of-atatiana-jeffersons-final-moments-shared-around-the-world-even-on-the-us-house-floor/

#AtatianaJefferson #BlackLivesMatter #Enough