A BLACK MAN'S STATE OF MIND

Too often this happens and the society and media ignore it. I thought a poem about it could give perspective.

I write this simple message for those I leave behind
I want to leave you something to share my state of mind
I am a black man; I have four children and a house
I am not on welfare and I do not abuse my spouse
I methodically follow every law, I don't speed or swear
I don't carry a gun and I treat everyone with great care
I go to church on Sunday; I am a member of the PTA
I volunteer at a dog shelter and take the dogs out to play
Recently I was stopped by a racist flashing a cop’s badge
He pulled me out my car and asked me what drugs I had
He put me on my knees at gunpoint and told me to behave
I felt like I was warped through time and living as a slave
His partner searched my car he said there was nothing there
Then these two racist cops let me leave without a care
I got home and told my wife and held my children tight
I have never truly forgotten the fear I had that night
The news flashed a report of a man shot by the same two cops
He was a black man only 18 driving a car his dad had bought
The cops claimed he fought them and then he pulled a gun
They shot him in the back as he shot at them on the run
The boy was going to college; he was going on a full ride
He had been class valedictorian; known for his self pride
His father said his family had never owned or used a gun
His son was going to a party to hang out and have some fun
My mind started racing and I reflected on that one night
I could have been that boy shot dead with no one in sight
I filed a complaint but nothing was ever done
These cops were acquitted for killing another man's son
Now I tell my kids to be watchful of where they are
I tell them to keep their hands visible as they leave the car
I tell them to take the officers name and remember his badge
Listen and follow directions to avoid the officer getting mad
If you follow all the rules and try to avoid a fight
You may make it home like I did on that crazy night
Still I write this simple message for those I leave behind
I want to leave this writing that shows my state of mind
I am a law abiding black man no matter what is shown
I was taken for no reason from my family and my home
I have never fired a gun; I don't do or deal any drugs
I treat everyone with compassion; I am not afraid to love
So if I am murdered and they claim I crossed the line
This is my testimonial of a true black man's state of mind

© 2013 Eddie Phillips

Reviews

[Saumya]

man! you made the write so lively with your words! i really applaud you for that:)

the writing was simple yet it said many things, this not only showed your worth but also the great care n compassion for your people:)

people generally come out of such situations n don't bother to care for others, but it was great to see you doing such job:)
i wish many people read it n help their family n friends:)

a truly remarkable write EDDIE:)

[Kwiksie Ifediora]

Awesome, awesome, very powerful piece. This is very moving Eddie and spurred some strong emotions in me...especially when one reflects on the fact that this IS everyday reality for some people.
You're right, it happens way too often and if it isn't too much to hope, i pray such animosity from man to his fellow will be laid to rest. In the not-so-distant future.

I hope many read this and absorb the truth in each line...
because, sadly, this often is the black man's state of mind.