A Poem
By Wade Nathan
I remember a black man was murdered today
Unarmed
Unhelped
Unhinged from his life on the streets of a land they said was free
I remember a black man was murdered today
Not by blade or bullet
Not in night’s shadow but out in open and airy light of God’s day
Not by accident or sudden surprise.
Cuffed and cooperative,
I remember a black man was murdered today.
I remember a man in uniform
A man dressed in pre-conditioned intent and wilful ignorance
I remember that’s all it took
I remember a black man was murdered today
From behind it happened
Not in 1-to-1 combat like a warrior, but down on bended knee
I remember the immoveable weapon
A victim of cowardice,
I remember he was under
I remember his pressing face on black tarred ground
I remember a black man was murdered today
I remember a robbery of last respects
I remember stolen gasps for air
I remember a black man’s wasted last breaths
Spent not on laughter or pride or reflection or apologies or final goodbyes to teary-eyed loved ones
I remember a black man was murdered today
There were tears without comfort
There were pleas but none were heard
There were cameras but no consequence
There were police but no protection
There were witnesses but no justice
I remember a black man was murdered today
Under the watch of Lady Liberty
Under the might of he, the one they call ‘the law’
Under the guise of seeming freedom
I remember a black man was murdered today
His killer is known
His motive apparent
His murder on public display
I remember a black man was murdered today
I remember a black man was murdered today
I remember today
That day he left us
That black man
And the day before that
And the man before him
I remember them all
Everyday
The murdered black men
I remember a black man was murdered today
I remember a brother was murdered today
A father was robbed today
A son of the earth was wronged today
A voice was silenced today
I remember the life of a black man was taken today
I can’t be silent
I can’t breathe
I remember a black man was murdered today
I remember George Floyd
The black man you murdered today
