I Can’t Breathe

 

I can’t breathe,

The knee of oppression

Is on my neck.

 

I can’t breathe,

The air of my city

Is filled with tear gas.

 

I can’t breathe,

I am filled with rage

And the smoke of burning buildings.

 

I can’t breathe

Because the air is filled with contempt for

people of different colors.

 

I can’t breathe

Because my country is suffocating

And the air of democracy is getting thinner and thinner.

 

I can’t breathe

Because I am grieving for America

And praying its dreams aren’t dying

In the streets of our nation tonight.

​

 

Rabbi Lance J. Sussman

5.30.20

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

Elkins Park, PA