don’t shoot

there is a black boy at the door

looking for his siblings

 

don’t shoot

there is a young black man

ringing the doorbell

 

don’t shoot

there is a black child at the door

and he is lost

 

don’t shoot

there is a brother at the door

looking for his family

 

don’t shoot

there is a baby at the door

trynna get home

 

don’t shoot

there is life at the door

moving towards life

 

don’t shoot

there is a neighbor at the door

there is a need at the door

there is a person at the door

there is a future at the door

there is a story at the door

you can help write it

towards coming home

towards a safe ending

towards a next breath

 

 

oh holy hell

 

don’t knock

don’t get lost

don’t need

 

don’t seek

don’t run out of gas

don’t let your phone die

 

don’t go for a walk

don’t go for a drive

don’t play on the playground

 

don’t blast your music

don’t laugh out loud

don’t let them see you

 

don’t have a heart attack

don’t wonder, or wander

don’t approach with innocence

 

don’t center with a deep breath

don’t pray as you ring the bell

don’t smile as you realize your mistake

 

don’t make any mistakes

don’t whistle

don’t flirt

don’t rest down your vigilance

don’t be you

don’t be seen

don’t breathe

don’t even breathe

child, there is a hunter

at the door