Laments in Midlothian (II of V)

A Lament For Jemel Roberson (II)

What doesn’t she say about him?

What doesn’t she have the heart to say,

Because the grief is still too near?

–

There are mentions, here and there,

Of his work for the church,

There are certainly words about that.

–

Words about hands, hands that held his child,

The same hands that played organ keys in praise

–

Hands that held down an assailant, alive

Hands that practiced restraint

–

A frame so impressive, and heart so protective,

That loved ones always felt safe.

–

And yes she says this is a tragedy, but

that doesn’t do justice

–

The question,

–

will justice be done?

–

A lament, a lament for Jemel Roberson,

A father stolen from his son.

–

sources:

“State police contradict witness accounts of black security guard’s killing by officer” – CBS News

–

“Security Guard Killed Before Son’s First Birthday” – CNN Youtube Channel

–

““He Was A Protector”: Remembering Jemel Roberson, 26-Year-Old Chicago Security Guard Slain By Police” – Democracy Now! Youtube

–