Modern Day Genocide

By Sharonica Nelson

This is modern day genocide 
Resulting from acceptable homicide.
Guns used as pesticides
To get rid of unwanted flies.
You all better realize,
Before this race is immobilized, 
that without our men we can't thrive.
And slowly, they are victimized
Then, thrown in a hole to never rise.
Please know they won't apologize 
For these wrongs they have legalized.
Strange fruits-can you visualize?
Lynching has only been modernized.
As a people we should synchronize 
and there is no time to criticize.
Each other we should patronize,
Prayer, peace, and voice- utilize.
And in these trying times... 
family needs to be revitalized,
Love needs to be emphasized,
And our community- homogenized.
These concepts must be prioritized...
If we are to see future generations. 

From Birmingham, AL, Sharonica Nelson is an educator, researcher, wife, and mommy who loves reading and writing poetry. She believes in poetry that speaks to her, using her authentic voice, and that illuminates her experiences.