A Fallen Leaf

Latest

Like a fallen leaf on a Fall day
Trayvon Martin lies on the ground
Dead of a bullet
Fired by a man who chased him for being young, black and in the wrong neighborhood—
Like a fallen leaf
Blown listlessly and carelessly
One more black youth
Now famous for his hoodie
And his youth
Trayvon
Your parents grieving
We—
Your God-parents of America
Grieving—
Grieving the fallen leaf
Taken from a live branch
Is this how we care for our youths?
Without jury or counsel?
Without questioning—
Without care……
The hungry wind blows throughout the land
And a black youth lies dead of ignorance and stereotype
The leaf is blown across the grounds of every gated community
And it breathes the name:
Trayvon.
Trayvon.
Peter Kenichi Yamamoto
August 27, 2013

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

America Cannot Afford This Dangerous Step

Americans should be chilled at government's recent designation of “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization (it isn't an organization). This allows for the criminalization of broad swaths of dissent, and won't stop with "Antifa."

America is Divided—But it’s the Wrong Divide

The real divide is between those who have and those who don't. We have the abundance to care for everyone and government must see to it that people's needs are met.

Slovenia’s President Tells UN: ‘We Must Stop the Genocide’

Nataša Pirc Musar, president of Slovenia, speaks about stopping the Gaza genocide, climate, respecting international law and other critical issues to the UN General Assembly. Videos of other international leaders are included.

More from the People's Tribune