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

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.

Nearly 80% of Americans Think Immigration is Good, Gallop Poll Shows

The eight-point increase in support for giving immigrants living in the U.S. illegally the chance to become U.S. citizens reflects increased support from all party groups according to Gallop poll.

Why Did Flash Floods in Texas Bring Such Death & Destruction?

Some lives could have been saved with better local warnings in the recent flood in TX, but federal government cuts to FEMA, National Weather Service and NOAA are leaving communities ill-prepared for disasters.

Farmworker in Critical Condition After Fall During California ICE Raid

A farmworker was critically injured during a California ICE raid after he fell from a greenhouse roof where he was hiding.

Winners and Losers in Trump’s ‘Ugly Bill’

Winners and losers: The greatest upward transfer of wealth in U.S. history cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other necessities to give massive tax breaks to billionaires.

More from the People's Tribune