I can’t breathe

I can’t breathe

For the weight of history bears down,

And suffocates my hopes, I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe, 

For the boot on my human face stamps down

Crushing a vision of the future, I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe

For the white hooded sheets, the red flagged, blue crossed

Rag forced down my throat, I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe, 

For the gilded tower buffoon steals the air 

To poison it with bile, I can’t breathe. 

I can’t breathe,

For the trees are bearing strange fruit which 

Choke and gag and gasp, I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe,

For the hypocrisy, lies and denial, and the privilege

Inhaled at every waking moment, I can’t breathe. 

I can’t breathe

I can’t breathe

I can’t…