How Many More?
for Breonna Taylor
When you kill my sister
and praise her murderer
do not condemn me
for breaking glass.
When you crush my brother’s neck
and anger inflames a city
do not demand the restraint
your police lack.
When your promises of reform
are broken easier than a window
and forgotten faster than a bullet,
do not expect compliance.
You raped my mother because you knew
no jury or judge would believe her.
You hung my father from a tree
then took selfies at the after party.
How many storefronts would you smash
for each of your sons and daughters
gunned down in the street?
How many buildings would you burn
for their justice?
Four weeks until Election Day in the States. Are you registered to vote? Are you sure?
Bartholomew Barker, Poet 
To the ground! They would burn them to the ground.
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Yes, I believe they would.
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Masterful! Can you submit this to some journal?
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Unfortunately, now that it’s on my website, it’s considered previously published so that limits the number of journals but I’ll keep my eyes open. Thanks for the encouragement!
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👏👏👏👏
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Thank you. I’d respond with an emoji of someone taking a bow, if I could find one.
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:)
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No more emojis or emoticons. Use your words!
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Heehee. I had been up all night watching the US election results- I had no words left! ;)
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I’m on the front lines here in North Carolina and I got a good night’s sleep. There’s nothing more I could do besides write more poetry and I’ll be doing that whatever the outcome.
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Wow, you are right in the thick of the excitement. Wishing you more peaceful nights, and a happy weekend x
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Thank you. Hope you’re well stocked for your lockdown.
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Well, stcoked up on loo roll, at least, as that seems to be the hot ticket item whenever lockdown comes round! ;)
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And definitely not something you want to be without!
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Amen!
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