Hands ache as the cold metal cuts in deep

Pressed unyielding to ensure obedience

No resistance to an entrenched position of power

 

I can't breathe

 

Back is bruised and full of tension

Pushed deep into the ground to keep us in place

Another oppression from a broken system

 

I can't breathe

 

Feet are numb and legs are heavy

An officer walks around in polished shoes

Shielding friends during a moment of need

 

I can't breathe

 

Neck crushed, restricted breathing

Judge, jury and executioner

8 minutes and 46 seconds of racist intent

 

I can't breathe

 

Lungs burning 

Shouts from the gathered crowd of witnesses

Showing some sense and compassion to a fellow human being

 

I can't breathe

 

Face wet from tears of pain, of fear

Thoughts of friends and family never to be seen again

Never to love again, never to believe in a better place

 

I can't breathe

 

Vision at the edges is fading to black

As people around capture these scenes on mobile phones

Unable to attack but able to share

 

I can't breathe

 

Mind prays that things were different in this country

Murdered for skin colour

400 years and still no change

 

I can't breathe