What's next? I wrote this for stand up poetry night

This is for the ones who have no voice. For the ones who have a voice and choose to stay silent. For the ones who hurt, I hear you, I see, I am you.

137 they say.

I SAY IT WAS OVER KILL

What's next? I said, " What's next? When my husband, your son, my child's father, is lying in the street covered in red? His body lay chilling, waiting for the next step. I said, " What's next? When you see people passing by holding phones and flashing lights.

I said, " What's next? when he has to be carried by six, and one could damn near be the very one who stole his life.

They say bullets have no name. But I promise you, each person that it hits has a name, now tell me, should that lie stay the same?

What's next? When that car was stolen just for a joy ride. or a new high. And Grandma on her way to church, but that high-speed chase got her hurt. Some people say they are just kids, they don't know any better. Social media says blame the parents, make them pay, because it's their kids. And I will say it again. Some say they don't know any better. Maybe their parents should have raised them better. I say throw them under the bus, we need to start making these streets safe because they know to do better and be better.

I said what's next because a single mother's cries are not heard. Fox 8 said a child was found dead. Yeah, what's next when the family says she had mental issues? I knew she was dealing with something. Just never thought she would hurt that child, so we all turned our heads.

So I said, " What's next? Shots rang out; now two are dead. Murder-suicide, what was going through his head?

I said What's next when she was in the school bathroom, cramping and bleeding heavily, not knowing she was carrying one of God's creations. Scared, she threw it away and went about her day.

What's next? When your child doesn't want to come home every day? It's a fight staying over at a friend's house, hoping before they leave that they could have another bite to eat, a hug, a smile, a how's your day or just to hear the words I love you.

I know what's next?

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but is that true when I'm walking around with one eye gashed out by the very one who said they would love me till the day I die?

So you tell me then what's next when she vanishes into thin air, no more words, no more smiles. 2 years later remains are found. beaten and tortured to death, they say. I say, what's next?

They say Hands up! But as soon as my hands are up, I get shot in the chest. The burning sensation makes me think about my family, will I stay or be laid to rest?

That's a Damn shame. I ask what's next?

When you've had too many drinks, one step, one bump turns into your last life experience around others, and the family can only say he was a good man who would have given his last.

So tell me. What's Next?

Open up your eyes out here, can't you see the stress? We are out here with no rest.

What's next when you want to paint the streets in red? Getting that bloody payback is all so grand. At any cost shall I stand? Everyone has to go till I feel whole again. But what's next? Because all I hear is careless whispers. Free your mind, be the new birth of these wild flowers.

It's time to stand up and change the narrative of our lives, for the better of our future. We need to lean on each other and love one another, and build proper leadership. Have more open arms, ohhh, and don't forget to pray. So get down on your knees, bow your heads and pray that's how it went back in the old days.

How could we be so foolish to forget

If it's down on paper, the words could never be forgotten. Emotions are linked to survival. My words.

Now what's next?

Stand up and let your voice be heard.

2024=2025 December 1st stand up, let your voice be heard

Delleesa harris Chocolate216

2 comments