"As Equal" by Julia Coopersmith

Image by Patrick Behn from Pixabay

Bang Bang Bang

I’d say
It really would be quite a celebration

Being treated
As one
As equal

But
Bang
We are not as one
Not as equal
Treating human beings like
Contaminated unworthy animals

We should not live in a world where this is acceptable
The violence has to stop

Bang Bang Bang
Dead faces
I’ll never forget
Blood soaked bodies

While white people are profiting
Made to feel “safe”
But if you look around, nobody is safe right now

Bang
A car full of police
Attacking black men
Again

Physically
Verbally

Innocent

Weapons glinting in the sun
Up and down, up and down, you bounce it in your hand

Must be one of those black gangs again
You don’t say this but I know you’re thinking it

This is not my kind of celebration

It is up to you
Bang Bang Bang

Julia Coopersmith is in 7th grade and lives in Seattle, WA. She is passionate about body liberation and Black Lives Matter.