Pain . . .

Latest

Maureen D. Taylor, state chair, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM
Maureen D. Taylor, state chair, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization.
PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

 
I live in Detroit, a full time zone apart
Why does this latest death so affect my heart?
Little slices of Motown are choked off every day
Bankruptcy, no water, too many tragedies to say.
No work, less hope, police brutality now and then
Something about Trayvon, Michael, and Eric create a frightening trend.
It might look like the color thing is the over-riding theme
It is the historical brush that paints over the American dream.
A deeper look reveals that color is just the front door
That takes us to protecting and serving the 1% for sure.
The police are supposed to protect and serve, and these officers did not do.
For these residents and others were murdered by a lawless crew.
What these names and all the others share as each one died
Is their working class connection to which each soul is forever tied.
They come from communities of courage where working families strive
The salt of the earth, the nation’s blood, now life forever denied.
The legacy this country ignores, the haves and the have-nots exist
We grasp this fact soon, or peace and tranquility will be constantly missed.
I expect more pain, more tears until we unite on the basis of class
When that moment arrives, we can stop being kicked in the ass.
I live in Detroit, under attack, dictators in charge of my nights and days
But the sleeping giant is awaking up as we enter the future’s next phase.
All of this misery stops, the 1% is out of luck
As we get smarter, we save the world, and force these corporate pirates to ask, WTF!!!
It ain’t gonna stop unless we better understand the world
So we must demand freedom and unity for every little boy and girl.  We do!!!
—Maureen D Taylor, State Chairperson, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization

+ 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

80 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Are We on the Verge of Another Nuclear War?

Gerry Condon, former president of Veterans for Peace, makes the case that we are now closer to nuclear war than ever, and that the U.S. is primarily responsible.

Labor Law Still Offers Pathway to Resist Abusive, Inhumane Immigration Laws

Local unions are taking leadership by negotiating language into their agreements prohibiting ICE from entering workplaces.

Nebraska Farmers Describe Trump’s Impact

Farmers from Neligh, Nebraska speak on Trump’s policy to round up farmworkers, the effect of the tariffs on farmers, and the resistance.

Gazans Demand ‘Agency, Memory and Hope’

The true number of dead and missing in Gaza may be around 500,000. Another 500,000 face starvation. Palestinians say if there is to be peace, it must begin with respect for their voices, their rights and their humanity.

Trump’s Immigration Theater Ignores Whose Land ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Is

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma joined Florida tribes in protesting "Alligator Alcatraz. The tribe says it insults their ancestral homeland and threatens ecosystem.

More from the People's Tribune