how long until

This is my friend with her powerful painting. She made it months ago in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the growing recognition of racially directed violence. She asked me to create words to go with it, and I knew it would be a task I couldn't rush. This week the words came. Find more of her and her art at www.hannahstover.com

how long until

 

 

 

stop

just stop

no one else needs to die

can we all just stop
pulling triggers

can we all just grieve
who we've lost

can we all just find
a better way

how long until
every life
is too precious
to take

how long until
every excuse
is too pathetic
to make 

stop

these losses
don't cancel out
they pile up
they pull us down 

that person matters
to someone

that person matters
to me

stop, stop

just stop

look
in their face
see life
in their eyes
feel warmth
in their breath
and don't take it
away 

how long until
we've had enough
how long until
we are enough 

how long until
we see each other