Ahmaud Arbery

Running

Because, America

Running

Because, I Can

Running

Because, History and my Environment say that as a Black Man, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Heart Disease are chasing right behind me

Running

Because it’s beautiful outside

Running

Because I love my neighborhood

Running

Because nature calls and I don’t have  a care in the world.

Oh, There’s racist people around me

Their stares

Their fear

Their barks

Their groans

But still I run

Because I have the right to run

I have the freedom to run

This is my country

This is my America

But it’s not just mine

It’s also theirs

Theirs with their fear

Theirs with their hatred

Theirs with their distrust

Theirs with their protection

Theirs with their backings

Theirs with their privilege 

I ignore it

Because I can’t fight it

So what else can I do

But run…

Even then, that is not enough

They come after me

They follow me

They don’t stop

They won’t stop

I say

This is America

I’m free

I’m allowed to be here

I’m allowed to be equal

But they shout at me and say 

No

You have no rights here

You do what we say

This is our Country

Not yours

So I run

And I hide 

And I do the things my daddy taught me

Stay away from trouble 

Don’t engage in a fight

Go straight home when provoked

But it’s not enough

So I run

Yet, the shots ring out

I can’t believe it

So I try to run again

But it’s over

And before I know it

I hit the ground

My legs give out

My running has come to an end

And for what? 

The color of my skin?

Walking past the wrong doorstep?

Looking at the wrong person?

All I wanted to do was run

And now

I’ll never run again