Because Oakland is burning,
Because the City’s smokes of resent,
Because more that one life is lost,
Because this isn’t about one man,
Because you know it will happen again,
Because the sirens always arrive late,
Because you can’t barricade memory,
Because tear gas blinds your throw,
Because the oppressor lives next door,
Because he is not your neighbor,
Because all the breathes laughs at you,
Because a smile is a snarl waiting to happen,
Because you know it could have been you,
Because, at least tonight, it wasn’t you.