Jackson Free Press

Juxtaposition

by Karla L. McCullough, Ph.D. (2016)

Be still my heart


I'm proud


I'm scared


I listen to his breath while he lay


Only half a dozen years of life to the day


and all I do is cry and pray


Be still my heart


No......please beat again


My son


He needs me


But how can I give you hope


in a world filled with hopelessness


How can I protect you in that beautiful skin


that causes so much uneasiness


How can I teach you to be independent when I need you to depend on me


How can I teach you to be honest


Although it doesn't mean you'll go untouched


Be still my heart


No.....please beat again


My eyes swell with tears and my soul is injured


How can I teach you about the great strides that Martin and Medgar have made 


When the evidence of hate has only transformed its state


Be still my heart


No.....please beat again


How do I defend your right to live a life free from fear


While fearing for your life


How do I teach you to be strong when your strength can get you killed


How do I help you find your voice when your voice could offend the shield


Don't wear the hoodie


Don't speak so loud


Don't ask too many questions


Don't act too wild


Don't get an attitude


Don't appear to be rude


Don't wear your hair like that


Don't just stand around and chat


Don't run anywhere


Don't stand still and stare


God....


Hold my heart....


Its still


It breaks


It aches


Its numb


But the love of my son


is way too great


Our next steps are not clear 


but I'll lead with my heart


It beats