lenten journal: hey, white people

yeah, I’m talking to me
you, too – and anyone
who never had to worry
about being followed
stopped or accused
because of our skin
who never thought
twice about a hoodie
making us a threat
listen right now
we need to listen
don’t speak of
what the boy might
have done wrong
don’t explain
make excuses or
offer solutions
just listen
for a long time
we have much
yet to understand

Peace,
Milton