When police stop you, you’re told submit, don’t fight.
Then you’ll come out of the situation with your dear life.
I take issue with this statement, so I’ll shed some light
Being black ,you may still get killed, and it’s just not right!
A black man was alone watching tv one Saturday night
Secure within his home, he should be all right.
All of a sudden there’s a bam. His door busted open by a battering ram,
The old black man died with the remote control in his hand.
He didn’t fight. He didn’t run. He met his death by a policeman’s gun
Another time across from Garfield High School
A man was in a house , not acting like a fool.
When the blue line burst in and said ,On the ground,”
He submitted right away. His black hands were bound.
The next thing that I tell you makes me feel like we were clowned.
The Blue clad one said , I have no idea, I just don’t know
I tripped on a rug and the gun, it did explode and
Through the man’s head a deadly bullet did go
And the black brother died there on the ground below.
He didn’t fight. He didn’t run. He met his death by a policeman’s gun.
Did you forget this happened, and it curdles my blood too. Two black men left IHOP with a woman who was white.
The police followed, keeping the black men in sight
For no real reason they made them stop.
When their mission was over, one was shot by a cop.
The story came out the black men did everything right.
They were out with a friend to have a good night.
The cop pulled his gun out and approached the car.
My hand snagged on my sweater and the gun trigger went too far.
An innocent black man died within the car.
He didn’t fight. He didn’t run. He met his death by a police man’s gun.
Then there is another that breaks my heart too.
Philandro Castile you remember, I know that you do.
Stopped for an infraction of a broken tail light.
Late one evening with the darkness of the night.
Castile was being honest when he told the cop
I have a CW permit when he was stopped.
Reaching for his license he was blown away.
A bullet pierced his heart and he died that day.
He didn’t fight. He didn’t run. He met his death by a policeman’s gun.
I think this is what I am trying to say.
Even If you don’t fight, Even if you don’t run away,
There’s no guarantee you won’t die this day.
This is why we are scared, and very angry too.
It doesn’t matter what ever we may do.
We may not walk away alive, and you know its true.
Patricia Simpson Newton May 28, 2020
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