A Game of Russian Roulette

By: Keenbelynn Bellande

To be black in America

Like a game of Russian Roulette, 

Is waking up and being unsure of what's to come.

It’s having someone who holds all the POWER

Spin the cylinder, 

Pull the trigger, 

And Click. 

One shot gone. Three shots remain. 

To be black in America 

Is a white man feeling THREATENED 

By a little black boy with radiant black skin, 

Instilling terror with just a hood, candy, and tea.

Again, the ones with the most power:

Spin the cylinder, 

Pull the trigger, 

And Boom. 

Another shot gone. Two shots remain. 

To be black in America 

Is being a walking CONTRADICTION…

When you fight for PEACE and LOVE in a country, 

And they won't fight for you. 

When those who are sworn to protect you, 

Do the complete opposite. 

When your life is cut short,

With the introduction of VIOLENCE into your own home.

Having a police officer spin the cylinder, 

Pull the trigger,

And Boom.

Another shot gone. One shot remains.

To be black in America

Is turning heartbreak into kindness and hope. 

O’ to black in America,

Whether it be celebrated, ignored, or exploited. 

It’s knowing that Black is beautiful. 

And it's worth holding on to that last shot.