I can't Breathe



I Can't Breathe

I can't breathe when I think about all the hate in our world today I can't breathe
I can't breathe when I bring it home and think about all this hate as it relates to me I am hated because of my skin color, I am hunted as prey I can't breathe.
I can't breathe when I think of all the injustices and inequalities in this world.
I can't breathe when I think that I may not be able to get into the best schools because I am black and may be viewed as not as smart.
I can't breathe when I know that when I go out for a job you will view me differently and I may not even get the job I seek because of what you think you see.
I can't breathe when I think about the fact that when I do get a job that many times I will make less than someone who is white and not black like me I may be passed over for raises and promotions just because of what you think you see.
I can't breathe when I know my brothers and sisters are being gunned down and killed in the streets and I or a family member could be next.
I can't breathe was what poor Mr. Floyd kept saying as his life was snuffed out as he finally realized he was going to die calling out for his mama with his last few exhales her face from Heaven he probably could see.
We can't breathe and we are tired and need to breathe once more.
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Submitted on January 21, 2021

Modified on March 05, 2023

1:24 min read
7

Quick analysis:

Scheme A AAXXBBXBX
Characters 1,287
Words 270
Stanzas 2
Stanza Lengths 1, 9

natalie d bassett

Hello, my name is Natalie and I am a Christian, a mother of one, a daughter, aunt, fellow soul journeyer in this world. I am an outspoken empower, published author, soon to be homeowner, a passionate and somewhat a clever person. I just love to write. I write poems that are somewhat thought-provoking, moving, and that makes people think. You may love them you may hate them but I will surely get a response out of you and therefore feel I have partially done my job. I have been writing since middle school off and on. I have only been published on an amateur level only. My goal is to be published on a more professional level one day. more…

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    "I can't Breathe" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/60757/i-can't-breathe>.

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