A Psalm for Cities on Fire

A Psalm for our cities on fire

A flame with the fires of fear

With anger burning ‘bout brazen brutality:

From a kneed neck Floyd’s breath snuffed out over there

A Psalm for our cities on fire

Veering vigorously toward violence and hate

Preventing protests that promote another vision:

Of justice that we all must create

A Psalm for our brothers and sisters

Who fear for their lives, black and brown

When they jog, shop, go to church, or go bird watching

With their hands held up high, or when lying down

A Psalm to remind us ‘bout justice

And the debasement that threatens their lives

Because our silence can no longer silence

The real pain of widowed husbands and wives

So Pray for our cities on fire

And sing out songs of protest ‘gainst hate

But since lives, they are holy and matter

It’s time for action; we’re way past time of debate