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The Chauvin Verdict: A Sigh Of Relief, But No Sweet Release
We’re still waiting a 400 years of wrongs to be made right
These are thoughts and feelings — not a formal poem — read with an open heart — not a critical mind
The jury in the Chauvin trial found him guilty — but it was a sigh of relief
There was no sweet release — it’s too bittersweet
It’s a little too — late
George is still gone
No verdict could bring back his life
But justice could have saved it
I can’t celebrate justice served because Derek Chauvin didn’t get what he deserved
He should have pled guilty — but we know the deal
I can feel it in my bones + the judge said it — he’s going to get off on appeal
Our justice system is flawed
Our police system needs to an overhaul
You can’t reform what is already rotten because the disease is in the root and bares nasty, blood thirsty, careless fruit — the ones that aren’t tainted are taunted and always in fear because they are the exception here
George is gone
His killer remains — stoic, cold without an ounce of remorse or shame
Why didn’t he cry out, “I’m sorry” — because he isn’t and he thinks he still right
So what he took a life — I don’t think he’s had a sleepless night or moment of strife until he faced charges
But we have because George’s was one of thousands of lost souls
So George’s friends and family did
Black and brown people did
Humans around the world with a modicum of compassion did
We mourned and cried at the sight and lay awake at night —
That image is burned in minds till the end of time
We wonder why and when “the real change” begins
This “victory verdict” felt hollow — like a heart filled with loss and our bodies and souls filled with memories and sorrow
