Read GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes. -JBH

in another life.

Tamir Rice

Is 21.

He’s out with his boys

having fun—

with his whole life

in front of him.

He has a mother who loves him

a father who adores him

and he has a sister

who will do anything

in the world to make sure

that his black

and greatness continue

to marry together,

like yams and macaroni and cheese—

but in the reality

of this present earth,

in this present time,

he is a ghost.

Always 12

Encountering a hell

His people knew all

Too well—

he is remembered for 2 shots

In seven seconds from

The weapon of someone

sworn to protect,

but would only protect

those whose complexion

Matches protection.

He is remembered for a smile

that doesn’t quite

reach his eyes

and a mother whose cries

were dismissed

because her son

was Black.

We who were alive

and remain and

remain to be alive

Remember that birthdays

Don’t just don’t stop in cemeteries.

We know to be wary

of all those who say

they stand on the power

of red white and blue

but at the same time we can’t breathe

Because these cherries they show

We can’t eat,

And wonder why every hood

Everywhere is starving for peace!

they were on our neck

Stay on our neck

and they still was all blue.

Not always has amnesia

Been remedy.

For those not seen

and yet are always around—

in the rustle of trees

in the thunder that

comes up from the ground

in the pace and space

of marching feet

we remember

because the world

would rather forget.

Ghosts still get plates at the table.

-JBHarris, 11.23.23