MAMA

Days later it struck me that I had watched a man die when I saw George Flyod’s begging for air. The video showed George Floyd, the man, at his most vulnerable moment and I witnessed it -unable to help, unable to change the outcome.

I wasn’t alone. Millions felt the way I did. I can’t find the right words, but some did:

MAMA

I am a black mother,
And I heard you, George.
I watched the life drain from you,
And I saw my son’s face.
Rage filled me at your suffering
and the indifference to your pain and death.
Like a bear protecting her cubs
I wanted to strike, to tear, and to rend
But when I heard you cry for me,
All I could do was cry out for you
In return I am a white mother,
And I heard you, George.
I saw that cop, and I saw my son’s face
How he so casually betrayed you
How cruelly and inhumanely
He acted.
And I was ashamed and horrified.
I wanted to speak, to shout,
“Get off of him! Get off of him!”
But he didn’t hear me, just as
You had not been heard,
When you cried out for your mama,
All I could do was cry for you In return
I am the Earth mother,
And I heard you, George.
I felt your heart as it strove to beat,
Your lungs as they tried to fill.
I am mute witness to your suffering,
And the suffering of all of my children
Who’ve gone before you,
And I am here to receive you.
Lay down your body, George,
and rest.
Your work is done.
And I will hold you.
I am your mother, George.

— Nina Taylor

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I am thrilled to see the protesters are not giving up. This time is different, it has to be!  Perhaps this is our last chance to actually make things different.