No Foul Play

A Black man was found hanging from a tree.

They said—no foul play.

But I don’t believe that.

I hope y’all don’t either.

I will never diminish the pain

of someone choosing to leave this world.

I’ve swam those dark, deep waters myself,

I know how heavy that silence can be.

But this—

this ain’t that.

Not that man at Delta State University.

They’re still lynching Black folk in 2025.

Not too long ago, they did it,

and called it something else.

I’m surprised I’m still alive.

Surprised you here,

reading my poem.

Because if you anything like me—

to them,

you’re just another one.