lessons in inhumanity

the morning started
with the video of the white woman
marshalling the cops to muzzle
the conscientious Black birdwatcher

discuss:
her use of adjectives, verbs
her tone and its cause
and its potential effect
his position, her approach
the thrashing struggle of her dog
the dog’s current disposition
his vocation

introduce:
the concept of ____ing While Black
(as in, Driving While Black,
Birding While Black)

reflect on:
our favorite bird guide of all time,
Dr. Kabelo Senyatso,
imagine him transported from the relative safety of
Botswana bush
to Central Park’s The Ramble
(racists less predictable than lions)
his life reduced to a color

consider:
what small action you can take
to honor Christian’s dignity

the day ended
driving through Denver
police on motorcycles blocking the street
around the Capitol
helicopter circling
tired protesters with sagging signs
hopeful enough to put their health
and safety on the line
to be counted for accountability

explain:
police brutality
and its unequal application
why anyone must affirm
that Black Lives Matter
that it is possible
for one person to kill another
without consequence

evaluate:
how much more bone-wearying
hatefulness and injustice
9- and 12-year-olds can absorb
in one 10-hour span
your privilege in having any part
in determining what they know about all this
your color and theirs making these conversations
seemingly optional

decide:
whether or not to share
the Denver Post’s crawl
rounding the building
as you drive by:
Denver police searching for driver
who struck protester
during George Floyd rally

when what’s left of everyone
is tucked in,
cry for all tonight’s damaged dreams