Just Beneath the Surface

A man was lynched yesterday

But I have to go to work.

I prepare for the office with prayer and a long stare in the mirror, practicing my fake smile so I don’t look like a jerk

But the RAGE remains, just beneath the surface…

I pull into the lot and sit in my car equipping myself to be

Surrounded by people who don’t know – and who don’t have to know – about how yesterday’s injustice is affecting me, so the faux smile proceeds.

But the SORROW remains, just beneath the surface…

It’s time to break for lunch, so I retreat to my car

I can still see the office from here but with Tupac rapping it seems far away

In the relative safety of this space I can shed tears, curse, and pray

These short 60 minutes are used to nourish my body, steel my mind, and fortify my soul for the remainder of the day

But the HOPELESSNESS remains, just beneath the surface

The rest of the day is monotonous; I just keep my head down and try not to watch the hands of time move so very slow

The clock finally hits five and it’s time to go

My prayer on the way out the lot is that the ride home is uneventful, because there are several things that I did in my car that could have ended up in my demise.

For example: I was driving, I am black, I saw a police officer pulling over another brother and I didn’t avert my eyes

I made it home safely today and my family did too.  It’s so good to see my wife, my daughters, and my son.

It’s hugs and kisses for everyone.

But the FEAR remains, just beneath the surface

As our day comes to an end we hear about another tragedy on the radio, TV, or social media feed. Another black life ended in vain.

We add another item to the list of things that you can’t do “while Black” without worrying about being slain.

After having days like this the fact that we can even sleep is miraculous it seems

But we do because sometimes that’s the only time we can realize our dreams…

But the NIGHTMARE remains, just beneath the surface.

As the sun’s rays hit my face and I wipe the sleep from my eyes one thought crosses my mind:

A man was lynched yesterday…

- R.D. Godette III