Why kill ourselves because of petty things
Like defending a turf that we don’t own?
How can we kill with all the pain it brings
Like making young moms raise their kids alone?
Bullets have etched the writings on the walls.
Can dysfunctional illiteracy
Hinder our ability to take pause?
And does it give crime “legitimacy? ”
We’re spinning out of control- gaining speed.
Sleep at the wheel, or paralyzed by shock?
Where are the jobs our community needs?
And will they hire brothers from my block?
Well, should we bitch, moan, or break the silence?
That was rhetorical. Stop the violence.

#sonnet