Remembering Tamir (on the 4th of July)...

When I grow up

To become a man

I'm gonna be a Super Hero, 

Savin' the world

From all things bad.

I think I’ll wear

Not a cape of red

But a Shirt of Blue,

A Silver-Star Badge

Of Invincible Power,

An Emblazoned Cap-- 

All the neighborhood

Tryin' it on

For size.

The protector of

Our Community,

My family will be so

Proud of me

My best friend,“Musa,”*  (*Mansa Musa, 1280-1337)

A faithful canine partner,

We'll be on-patrol

Keepin’ the Peace

Not with fear but

Heart, Hope, 

And Honor.

Until then,

He and I

Walk tree-lined streets

With watchful pride

Seein' the beauty of our lives

Full of fun and laughter: 

Bicycles, Swing-sets,

Slippery Slides--

A game of “fetch” for

Me and Musa to try.

One day we’ll both be

Big and Strong

I know it won't take very long

My teacher says,

“All good things come

To those who wait.”**  (**Lamentations 3:25)

I'm just hopin' it won’t be

Too late.

I guess tomorrow

Will be soon enough

But right now,

Mom says, 

“Supper’s up.”

Then it'll be

Time to play

Before dreamin’

Of another day…

When I grow up

To be a

Super Hero.

Your friend,

Tamir 

On November 22, 2014, Tamir Rice was shot by police officers, mistaking his toy gun for a real one at the Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland, Ohio.  He died the next day, November 23, 2014.  He was 12-years-old.

Developed from, inspired by, and in solidarity with Black Poets Speak Out Writing Workshop, NeoSoul Poetry Lounge,  Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

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