Bonus Poem: On Turning the Sentence Around (George Floyd)

Police officers kneel during a rally in Coral Gables, Florida, on Saturday in response to the death of George Floyd. 

Photo by EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty Images

On Turning the Sentence Around

(“I sympathize with them, but I don’t condone the rioting.”)

It goes without saying that no one’s “for” looting, 

Or burning, destroying, or fear-causing shooting;

But if that’s all you see, then you’re missing the point,

And you’re putting on blinders, your nose out of joint,

Saying anger and violence cancel the reason

That YOU should be mad that it’s still open season

On blacks—for disturbed and unqualified cops—

When, in fact, ALL Americans ought to say STOP!

Turn the sentence around, “Yes, those fires aren’t right,

BUT it’s time white America entered the fight

So that those high on power over folks like George Floyd

Will no more have our trust, be no longer employed.

Look at cops who are taking the knee even now,

And stand up for equality, so that, somehow, 

Some day (soon, I hope) race will just be a figment,

And each one’s humanity our only pigment.”

Scott L. Barton