By Cayleigh Baillargeon

“They were not police officers
they were thugs,” the talking head assures
distancing their actions from other officers
as if this were the first lynching 
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the first grown man we have footage of 
being hunted while unarmed 
unarmed while under siege
expected to keep calm
to comply with their kidnappers
expected keep calm while confused
but so aware of the immediate danger
unable to defend themselves in a meaningful way
arms behind their back
unarmed and unable
to help themselves 
yelling for their mother
a final plea for protection
a declaration of personhood 
pushed forward between blows
unarmed while under siege
until the cops choose to stop
then chose to withhold any aid
as they slip in and out of consciousness
blood exiting the body 
running down the cement 
kissing the curb
in the land of free.