Don't Shoot

I'm out in the streets, blowing off steam.

My body tall, my body lean.

I wear a hood to better shield me from the night.

I never knew to someone, it would bring such fright.

All I need is some air, so please, spare me your hidden glare.

I wish you'd listen, I wish you knew.

I wish you could see, that I'm just like you.

I'm cold, I'm hungry, but I have a home.

I just need some time, some time to roam.

But in the streets I see a change, I see something so strange.

I see a shadow stand tall, a shadow that will not fall.

I take another step, so I can go my own way.

But he yells out to me, he begins to say, "Stop! Stop now or I'll shoot!"

I stand my ground, as if to take root.

But I look a little closer and I see he has a gun.

And then it comes over me, I know I must run.

That's when I feel it, that's when I see.

Perhaps this is how the world visualizes me.

"Please! Let me go!" I plea, I take a step back and prepare to flee.

"Don't move! Don't take another step!"

His voice is stern, I know he won't rest.

"You don't belong here! You don't understand! You're not like me! You're

not a man!"

I feel my body shiver, I feel it become lost.

"I'll show you now! I'll show you who's boss!"

I take a step back, I want to go home.

No longer in the night, no longer will I roam.

Another step back, I'm preparing to run.

I don't want any of this, I really want none.

Another step back, please sir, let me go.

I can see in his eyes, he's telling me no.

This is the moment, this is when I turn.

I begin my escape, but then I feel a burn.

My ears are ringing a buzzing so loud.

And before it hits me, my face is to the ground.

I just listen, I hear the sound of his boot.

And I say at last, "Please sir, please don't shoot."