For George

sonnet 59

the 2nd #sonnet in my #BlackLivesMatter series from 2020, for #GeorgeFloyd. It's almost as valid today, in light of the #ICERaids and their violence against American citizens. #peacefulAssembly #firstamendmentrights

Sonnet 59 - for George Floyd – protest poem 2
A Black man was murdered today. His crime?
A bad check that he wrote. But He was Black.    
Cuffed, then choked. He died. Seven minutes time.
A Black man murdered- ‘twas police attack.

Bernie Madoff stole billions, he’s alive.
As did Michael Milken, he’s strolling free.
Why do all convicted con-men slime survive?
Rich white guys; their necks never feel a knee.

They took him down, denied him a last breath.
No noose, but they still lynched his life away.
When did he know that he’d be put to death
like countless lynchings ‘fore this current day?

A precious soul, a Black man’s life, destroyed. 
That Black man’s name?  LET’S SHOUT IT LOUD! George Floyd.

If you like, you can hear me read this poem on Sonnet:visioN.