Low Bars

Written by

Who gets to say 
How far we've come
What datum 
Should we start from

Why do we measure progress 
Against our worst behaviour
Is it in case of failure

I sense regression
On more levels
Than this poem can convey
Too many of us are still prey

At the same time
I'm grateful that 
I never knew
The violence of
Dogs, fire hoses and batons

Instead
My point of departure is
Hate speech
Microaggressions
Systemic racism
Police brutality
State-sponsored violence
Abuse of power and authority

I am still afraid for my 
Brothers and sons

When fearing for
Black men and women
Is no longer the benchmark
By which social progress is judged

When I don't feel that
Trepidation in my heart…

I will celebrate 
How far we've come
When it isn't 
A topic for discussion