Darnella

She is just seventeen
afraid for her life as well as for his
witness to injustice she is powerless
to prevent but brave enough to stay

She records what she sees
what she should never have had to see
a man murdered before her eyes
by one who is sworn to protect and serve

She is mocked
harassed by those who think her wrong
for preserving the action rather than act herself
against four trained and protected officers

She stands her ground
determined to let the truth be known
to share her video and George Floyd’s story
the essence of bravery in a country lacking it.

Michael Giorgio is the author of three books—A Week of Criminal Happiness (released June 2020), The Memory Swindlers (2016), and Justice Comes Home (2014)—as well as numerous short stories, poems, articles and audio productions. He teaches creative writing for All Writers’ Workplace and Workshop, both in their studio (when it is able to reopen) and online.

Image: Street art by @gneeink45 at State St. & Wacker Dr. in Chicago; photo by Tracy Granzyk