I am participating in #SOL20 Tuesdays. This morning, I decided to write a poem. So much has been on my mind lately, particularly the unnecessary death of George Floyd . I am beginning to understand that things have not changed all that much since the 1960s. We need to change the way we do things in America. George Floyd’s death sparked such widespread outrage. For 400 years or so African Americans have tried to assert their humanity. Why do we need such a terrible tragedy to spark change in our country? This is not an African American issue. It’s a human issue.
demonstrations nationwide:
minneapolis, philadelphia, los angeles, atlanta, boston.
vehicles torched, windows smashed, people injured
violence erupting in our cities as
social and economic disparities
grow larger and the seeds of
anger and unrest grow deeper in america.
protestors ignore curfews
social distancing rules don’t apply here
crowds gather to raise their voices
Floyd’s death shocking, stunning, moving
us to call for big changes, a call to action.
George Floyd cannot just become another name…
anger and unrest grow deeper in america.
social unrest has become a major topic in america,
contemporary circumstances fuel modern-day frustrations
riots are rarely driven by a single cause:
widening racial inequality, modern political instability…
will civic organizations hold authorities
accountable for racialized police aggression?
anger and unrest grow deeper in america.
Lynne's Blog 
Lynne, thank you for your poem. It is really powerful. I especially appreciated your stark non-use of capitalization until you got to the name of George Floyd and then the repetition of his name soon after. It reminded me of “say his name,” the admonishment we have to get too often when these deaths occur.
These were such strong lines:
“Floyd’s death shocking, stunning, moving
us to call for big changes, a call to action.”
Yes, it is not the responsibility of African American people. It is white supremacy that has devalued life for those 400+ years. Hopefully this will be the call to action that we need to take the next giant step in dismantling it.
Thank you again for your pained and powerful thoughts,
~Denise
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We are of the same mind today, Lynne, as are most citizens I think. Your poem is a deep expression of the national angst, and it’s moving to read your words. Thank you.
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Lynne, we are a troubled nation, “This is not an African American issue. It’s a human issue.” We cannot call ourselves human and not feel the injustice of what has happened. When we say, “Freedom and justice for all,” we need to remember that “all” is not selective, it means everyone.
On another note, I don’t know if you saw that Hershey Theater canceled Anastasia.
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Thanks, Bob. I just had to write about it. It was so horrifying to me – I cried quite a bit for George and his family.
No, I did not see the production as canceled. Maybe we can find an outdoor restaurant to meet in Lancaster or Hershey for lunch or dinner this summer? Ralph and I would make the drive.
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Sounds like a plan, Lynne. Kathy and I are always up for a drive as well. We will see what we can come up with.
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This inequality exists everywhere. It hurts. How can some people believe they are better than others? But they do, everywhere. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Regards
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Thank you for sharing this powerful poem, Lynne. It says so much.
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A powerful piece- simple lines packed with meaning and imagery. I also noticed and appreciated the lower case letters other than the name. Thank you for sharing.
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We must start seeing some huge changes. No group should have to cry out for equal treatment. Our society must do better!
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