WHAT WE TELL OUR BLACK SONS, A POEM By Beatrice Vasser

                           What We Tell Our Black Sons

                         If you are stopped by a policeman

                         raise your hands, fall to the ground,

                         spread eagle, then pray.

                         You are a black male and I want you

                         live to see another day.

                         Never walk alone, protection in groups

                        Be mannerable, say yes, sir or yes, mum.

                        Keep head bowed, do not look directly into their eyes.

                        They find it threatening, this gives them a reason

                        to stand their ground, that may mean death for you.

                        Do not wear a hoodie like Trayvon Martin

                        while carrying skittles to his little brother

                        in Sanford, Fla- dead.

                        Nor walk home in the Homewood area like Jordan Miles

                        with pop in his pocket in Pittsburgh, Pa- beaten mercilessly

                       Johnny Gammage driving a Jaguar late at night

                       through Brentwood, Pa-- dead.

                      I tell you son, being by yourself at night

                      walking or driving when black

                      can endanger your life. It frightens me.

                      Please, I beg you, listen to me,

                      you cannot fight the "stand your ground" law.

                     By Beatrice Vasser
                     Beatrice Vasser is retired teacher and licensed
                     professional counselor.