twenty seven candles
unlit
on a cake
with frosting
almost as sweet
as the
girl who lost her breath
with nothing but
sugar on her lips

mute and listening.

To those who vowed to serve and protect
Those who we look up to and respect
Doing your job the right way is what we expect
So please don't put your knee on the back of our neck

sticks and stones
will break bones
and a knee will take a life

tear gas and barricades
will need first aids
and rubber bullets will take eyes

signs and chants
dismissed as rants
and a point that will keep being missed