3/5

That’s my cousin on the news 
A few, twice married, thrice removed...
They walked in and shot
Cuz they was in the mood

 paint your doorposts with cousins’ blood
   Maybe next time they’ll pass.

That’s my brother they chased
   and killed
Cuz they thought he fit some bill
   To pay their debt of hate and rage
   He’s no good unless he’s in your cage

I have ten thousand brothers.

That’s my auntie god he stopped.
In the right, cuz he’s a cop.
A drive to the store, pulled aside
Suddenly a suicide?

“Hell nah,” she moans from wherever she cannot rest.

Every song within theirs, unsung
Every naked body hung
From trees
Every one of their souls is me
3/5 you cannot, will not see
3/5 of my humanity 

You’re not half the friend you claim to be.