One word

A simple reflex

In and out,

Taken for granted

The essence of life.

“I can’t breathe!”

Gasping for air

A knee relentlessly ground into the neck

Life to death.

Pealing back our glossy, polished veneer

Revealing a rotting racist underbelly.

Horrifying a nation,

Marchers flooding the streets

Rioting, looting.

More black deaths.

Rooting out rancid white entitlement

So, all can breathe.

Seeking approbation

To walk in neighborhoods

Worry free, enjoying the night air

In and out

Simply breathing

Feeling safe,

Living unencumbered.