The next African American with a bullet hole by a cop.
The next African American whose “mug shot” is on the news.
The next African American whose mother is weeping getting that phone call.
Screaming in terror, confusion, regret, and anger.
As I drop down blood, hearing the sirens and people screaming,
Flashbacks of my life pass before me as a tear falls like a leaky faucet.
Me, 21-year-old Emantic Fitgerald Bradford, Jr.
An African American falsely accused of shooting up a local mall.
“Coincidence” the police say…of course...I was innocent with my hands up.
I had a Future, a Family, A Dream, but now my momma has a wound in her chest.
A wound that will change everything— A wound that will ruin this life, her life, our life.
As I see the red and blue flashing lights... As I hear the sirens rushing closer,
Have mercy on me… Have mercy on my soul… Have mercy and don’t let my heart turn cold.
Linda Daye, 2020