By Shot and Gun

By Sophia Gonzales, 16, Spain

Children beg for their fathers’ lives 

At the feet of the privileged 

They are told they are “less than” 

Like a decree, a proclamation 

While mothers say “Black is beautiful” 

Children listen to the cold comfort 

Seared in the flames of withering injustice 

“I can’t breathe” say the fathers 

While children hide in the shadows 

Of doubt and shame 

Listening to loud refrains 

Of rules and respect 

And warnings of caution 

Until their innocence vanishes 

Taken away by shot and gun 

Every day, their excitement vanishes 

As swift as a gunshot 

Children silenced by empty words and broken promises 

Of justice and change

Their greatest desire 

To be heard and accepted 

But the triggers are pulled too quick 

And there are bullets left to persecute 

While children wonder if they are next.

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The world is full of social issues that cause havoc and heartache—especially racism. America is a nation with an outstanding economy, plentiful resources and diverse communities. Yet we fail to treat people with equality and respect; a whole system is shattered by the simple concept of color and families are broken by fear and loss. There have been too many lives snatched, too many people subject to hatred and oppression. We are the voice of the voiceless and change needs to happen. It is important to build others up, to honor and bless them, because justice will come in the form of love.

Instagram: @sophiagonzales.04

Photo by Nechirwan Kavian