Black Like Me

I am Michael Brown

I have laid on this street

Waiting

For you to criminalize me

For you to demonize me

Waiting for you to remove the truth

America walks around me

We are great again

Lynchings for entertainment

I do what is right and good

I am Carlton dancing

For white approval

I have diminished My attitude

My voice

My anger

I am Eric Garner

I can’t breathe

Without making you uncomfortable

I can’t feel

Without accusations that I am too sensitive

I just can’t

Be

My home is not my sanctuary

The sanctuary is filled with bullet holes

My spirit rises in hopes of seeing a Jesus

That looks like me

I am Botham Shem Jean