COVID Creativity is a new Source arts feature highlighting the work of our creative readers as they respond to a time of global pandemic. All visual artists and creative writers are encouraged to share with us new works that have been created as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer.
Visual art submissions should include at least one high quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you.
Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.
Suffocating
Sandra C. Bradley
Another black man died today
A white knee on his neck
Onlookers shouted
The man did gasp
But…oh, what the heck!
With three small words it was done
“I can’t breathe” were his last.
This man was once a living soul
And now his life is past!
Seven plus minutes was the time
The crime continued for
Cops pressed his body to the ground
And ended his life’s flow!
Excessive force, diminished sense
Lack of humanity
Injustice reigns where rights are wronged
A flawed society.
License to kill, they seem to have
For those young, black and male
To kill with guns, to kill with lies
To kill by standing by.
“I cannot breathe,” “I cannot breathe”
We echo this failed cry.
I ask, and can you answer me
How many more must die?
Sandra C. Bradley is a Source reader who loves to explore the power of words, the pits of an avocado and the peacefulness of nature.