A Knee to the Neck

Knee to the Neck

Police enforce the laws in this city

with the power of a knee to the neck.

Freedom frozen with fear—our very life’s

breath choked and cleared from our lungs,

the scales of justice flung

from our town with the systematic

use of deadly force—

over-reaction is a smoking

gun—there’s no place to run—what recourse,

what space for those of any race,

when those paid to protect

respond with a knee to the neck.

Equality dealt a wretched blow—where

is the balm of calm we know?

when havoc is the result of deadly

enforcement? it leads to a knee to the neck

of justice, of safe cities, of the rights of all.

This is our call—rights for all, stand up for

all lives and pick up that knee

from our neck.

           ~ Annette Gagliardi

* In respond to the senseless death of George Floyd

I am aghast, embarrassed and furious at the actions of our city police. Once more, they bully and abuse. I am saddened and scared at the actions of protestors who loot and destroy property. Once more the worst of us demonstrate how far we can fall.

I am so very, very sorry for the death of Mr. George Floyd. My prayers and petitions for the repose of his soul and for the grace and peace of Jesus for his family.

I am scared for the citizens of our city, who live in a war zone created by ‘we the people’.

There is so much to say, and there are no words. No words.