Yesterday

I am a writer. I try very hard not to post political content. This poem is meant to be non-political but everything seems to be politicized these days. I do not condone looting or violence but I also do not condone intentional racial profiling, police brutality, and disparities within America. I have a healthy respect for the police but I did not grow up in fear of the police. What I feel does not equate what others feel. I know and understand my own struggles and often react to events based upon my own upbringing. Today I choose to delve deeper and understand better. Today I choose to post my thoughts because I want those I love to know I hear them. You can choose not to read it. I pray for an end to racism, discrimination, and injustice.

🙏🏼

Yesterday

By Valerie Maldonado

I felt your pain and empathized, justified and rationalized

Held back my condemnation

Awaiting and needing an explanation

Yesterday

I did not see color or race simply human like me

Bristled at “black lives matter” but understood taking a knee

Yesterday

I stood with those who protested while condemning violence

Yesterday

Non-racist, pro-cop, peace-loving poet

Yesterday

Anti-racist, pro-police reform, peace-loving poet

Today

I cannot know your pain or empathize

When wrong is wrong how dare we justify?

We must “see” what’s in front of our eyes

Demand justice for those who live “unjustly” and die

Today

I see the color of your skin and the differences to mine

I’m learning and unlearning, being schooled in real time

Today

I stand with those who protest and understand the rage behind it

I hear the hurt, the confusion, the fear and am reminded

Today

That I can be pro-police and demand police brutality end

I can have grandsons who identify as black and still not understand

I am reminded that justice by twelve is not always just

That if change is going to come we must all speak up

Today 

📷by me