By Brittany Gomez

I’ve read. I’ve shared. I’ve felt. I’ve feared.

A moment of silence.

For you, George.

For you, Ahmaud.

For you, Eric.

For you, Stephon.

For you, and you and you, and the list goes on.

When did it get so long?

No more silence.

Voices drowned out by chaos and crowds. They want to be heard, but they can’t get a word. They can’t get a breath.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

Eight minutes under a knee. Eight minutes too many. Can you hear me?

When did injustice trump equality, and privilege overtake civility?

Kneeling on the necks of those in need.

Only judging by what you see in your feed.

When did we become so closed off?

Like an addict craves numbness, are we missing the reality of what’s happening right in front of us?

Now these words pour out as the cries ring through the streets.

Calling for change.

Pleading for a life deserving.

Worth preserving.

You are deserving.

There’s no favoritism in the eyes of our King and we will be judged accordingly.

Do we stand for the fatherless?

Do we stand for the oppressed?

For the foreigners and the widows?

Do we stand for those with less?

Where do we stand?

Double-take in the mirror of my heart.

Because if we are the hands and feet of Jesus, how can we take a back seat while people die on the streets?

It isn’t about sides; it’s about shining a light.

Expose the hidden places and rebuild it right.

Don’t be a victim of history.

Be an advocate for morality.

Be quick to listen to the cries not the lies.

See for yourself the pain in their eyes.

Value all but seek change where it’s needed.

Be a voice, plant a seed, keep the dialogue and focus on the need.

I pray.

Wisdom to hear you.

Change to save you.

Voices to speak for you.

Justice to free you.

Free from oppression.

Free from bondage.

Free from fear for your life.

Free.

Free.

Free.

To breathe.