Lycia Harding Poet Quatern

If I Can't Breathe, I Cannot Speak

If I can't breathe, I cannot speak
A heart-arresting body check,
then pavement splits apart my cheek
and there's a knee pressed on my neck

You mock me in my silence but
if I can't breathe, I cannot speak,
or I'd unlock the mouth you shut
and shout until my voice was weak

Oppression is a vile antique,
though you deny it, you well know
if I can't breathe, I cannot speak,
so, quiet is the status quo

Your choices have inflamed the crowd
Their voices swell as protests peak
They chant my name and yell out loud -
"If I can't breathe, I cannot speak"!

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John Watt June 15, 2020 at 9:08 PM Lycia, your quatern refrain of "If I can't breathe, I cannot speak" is a very powerful one, linking the suppression of expression with the tragic last words of George Floyd. An excellent, thought-provoking entry to the contest. I'm glad I read it. ~ John

Richard Lamoureux June 14, 2020 at 10:58 AM Congrats on your win, thanks for entering my contest.