I Can'T Breathe

In memory of----

Solely in my room, I can't stomach the sound of my pulse
I sit here alone to forget the taste of air.
Overwhelm by the scene -unbelievable footage
18 seconds  long, "I can't breathe."
My judgment "GONE"   stressing all night long
I use to fear dark colors, now I fear spinning bright lights
Red, White, and Blue,  I spew the NY  crew
What's wrong with your blue eyes?
You see him, you want him to die
What a day to trade  --  a life for illegal cigarettes
Persecution and judgment day, sweet life   - taken away
"I can't breathe", executed in broad daylight!

Bullets left and right
Who's policing the police
What happened to mind our business?
Moneymaker refused to be singled out 
A hurting voice tackled by racism 
Free to see, pouring his heavy heart,
Oinkers demand the ground, shutting down his testament
8 times too many, "I can't breathe!"
Where did his vitals go? 
No one to tap him out,  pound the pavement!
What the hell, why are you just standing there???

Stress, anger, madness, the voice of innocence
"I can't breathe." the volume to valium
"Officer, did you not hear the man?"
Are you deaf, have you forgotten how to save a life?
Is it just the NYPD or is it every other badge,
Insinuating crime's a one-color show.
We are all criminals, why the excessive heat?
Shot, tasered, beat down, pepper-sprayed,  now on the ground
The mother of all chokeholds, murdered, outnumbered 
The echoes remain "I can't breathe!"

- The truth!
Eric Garner robbed of his own natural path and youth
One man down eyed suspiciously 
Perplexed minds suffocating him instantly
The mistrusted, the awe, the hate,  
So tangible, uniforms using deadly force
One asthmatic in a chokehold
Slamming his head on the floor
Open wounds, worldwide tears

My heart goes to the family and friends left behind
A courageous last breath, for the first and last time
"I can't breathe," now deceased.
You left this world unwilling, waking up a strong community
Strolling in a safer world, where racial discrimination doesn't exist
"I can't breathe,"  Eric Garner Rest in peace!

By: PD
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

1234
Magnet Avatar
June 12, 2020 at 4:50 PM
Never fails to raise to the task, a kindred spirit so king and gentle. thanks again for your contribution to reach the souls of people.xx
Armour Avatar
December 6, 2016 at 11:47 PM
awesome job! wow! just....wow!
Dalei Avatar
September 18, 2016 at 2:55 AM
Very meaningful write my dear sister Linda. But U will never find a place where there is no racism.Yes, in this case U can only survive by avoiding racism. u conveyed no. of meaningful messages through this poem. I really enjoyed from start to end. My dear sister, U r not visiting my work. Try to visit.Bye, take care.........// hugs
Ellison Avatar
September 14, 2016 at 8:25 AM
you took me there.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 12, 2016 at 8:11 AM
I enjoyed reading this one again Linda.
Tory Avatar
September 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM
I decided to check out some of your work. But when I got to this one I was left speechless. I cant find the words to tell you just how beautifully written this is. All I can say is wow this is amazing
Fraser Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 11:16 AM
Hi Linda, just read this for the first time. Cant believe i havent read it before now. Used to be a badge was something you respected and looked up to, and not something you feared. Cleary a gun and a badge is proving to be an enemy of the common citizen. You have expressed quite vividly the disgust felt by all. Great write my friend. Blessings Always, Carl
Douleur Avatar
July 17, 2016 at 4:14 PM
Your words hold so much power and such wisdom. such angst yet control in your mannerisms of writing. Your rhythm combined with your ability to portray a story is what made this piece so immensely powerful. This is beautiful, dark and deep. It touches your soul and your mind and that in and of its self its is isnspiring. Thankyou.
Sol Avatar
January 19, 2016 at 10:23 PM
This is just a big wow for me because I love it great job:)
Stephens Avatar
December 26, 2015 at 8:11 PM
Wow astonishing love it!!
Haskin Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 7:25 PM
Beautiful work. A work with great imagery and strength.
Scars Avatar
October 8, 2015 at 11:47 AM
This is so powerful...I absolutely love this. :) -LU
Dunn Avatar
September 16, 2015 at 10:00 PM
Wow dear friend what a poem of great power it was a very tragic happening, that should have never happened but you've written about with a thor's hammer of realism, and shown the shock waves of truth in this work of yours, cheri
Peranteau Avatar
August 25, 2015 at 10:16 PM
Wow Linda, you are the staunch soul for true ! Awesome dedication dear poet. When I was thirty three I was handcuffed , shoved into a police cruser and beaten to a pulp by several police officers who took turns beating the dickens out of me. I am certainly elated that you have the express such ! Have a wonderful week....much love, james
Berthold Avatar
August 11, 2015 at 1:53 AM
I can't breath is a great poem it had style and grace when you write with intensity it brings out the poet out of you!
Konos Avatar
August 1, 2015 at 4:16 PM
Congratulations you have 3130 views on this poetry. The town near us only has 2800 residents.....WOW ...
Lewis Avatar
May 14, 2015 at 12:46 PM
iIt is powerful to say the least. I do wonder have you been through that or something you have seen. Please don't get me wrong. I just wonder where the feeling comes from, NOSEY LIKE THAT. Loved it
Dey Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 1:34 PM
That is what we express wow!! Really a wow poem and I enjoyed your writing. Thanks for stopping by my poems...XOXO
Henry Avatar
May 6, 2015 at 8:53 AM
beautiful!
Gasun Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 9:34 AM
Hello ever dearest poet sis & BFF of mine. Coming back to adore once again this priceless gem of yours and to extend my warmest CONGRATS on your great win! Cheers and many hugs to you from me! Thank you so much again for sharing! By the way, TYSM also for your lovely replies. Sorry, if I just logged in coz my notebook was with my brother for 3 wks. Now it's back with me but he's now back home in our country :-((. Again, TYTYSM. God bless you. Many hugs! Miss u much, Leonora
Bt Norazman Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 4:24 AM
It is the best from what I read so far..I will be waiting for more of your work.. n.n
A   Avatar
April 18, 2015 at 6:36 PM
Thanks for the Call Cyndi, it was nice seeing my poem showcased on your list... LINDA
Hamilton Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 1:08 PM
wow Linda a write of strength fortitude and very powerful about a terrible killing kudos congrats on win hugs 7
May Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 8:36 AM
Powerful write Linda...The police are out of control ...
Wyler Avatar
April 9, 2015 at 3:38 PM
The poem evokes powerful emotions!
1234
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace