I can’t breathe
I say
and you don’t understand why
Everything alright?
you ask
Did something happen?

Halle, Hanau, police brutality
I say
but you have seen other news
mine haven’t reached you
news of people far far away
with problems you don’t have.

Fuck the police
I say
and you look at me outraged
and you tell me
that there are good cops, as well.

Black lives matter
I say
and you nod
and add
that all lives matter.

Racism kills
I say
and you shake your had in sorrow
about so much cruelty
in the USA.

I can’t breathe
I say

and you call an ambulance.

Maria Tramountani