Why are you crying? by Emily Palm Why am I crying? because of the injustices in our streets a country still divided over the rights of its people and the atrocities of then… well history repeats Brother, why are you crying? because it all comes down to the color of your skin? because the people who are supposed to protect, kill instead? supposed to feel safe? in the state this country's in? Sister, why are you crying? because of the assault on our bodies, the assault on our freedoms? they tried to deny your rights before now this is adding insult to injury Father, why are you crying? because we are in a war we should not have to fight you're scared one day it will be your child's blood spilled? How do you ever sleep at night? Mother, why are you crying? because you thought that this was America the free, home of the brave? well only if your skin is white & you behave now these are tears of rage Grandfather, why are you crying? because the man you marched alongside was shot in the head? you remember the white-sheeted cowards and our world today is looking too much like back then Grandmother, why are you crying? because you thought this war was over? Or at least the battle won? did your marches mean nothing? fifty years of progress… or is it none? Son, why are you crying? because someone threatened you at school again today? they told you that you won’t amount to much when your skin’s a different shade? how are you supposed to learn when there are nooses on display? Daughter, why are you crying? The white men are trying to tell you your worth again? Your marching, organizing, pleading But no one seems to be listening… Why are you crying?