Gasping for Air

the tunnel dims 

to darkness 

all of my hopes 

cannot be promised

like a settlement that takes 

many phone calls to receive

blood bleeds green, seems like 

that’s what the system sees

gasping for air, it’s not just 

the nose that is impaired

fighting for equality, 

what is right and fair

now that's not the

only thing crooked

running from the

repercussions, I booked it

and I kept running 

until my knees ached

like I’m in

a marathon

those plans I once had, 

now appear far gone

grasping for strength 

because God wants me

to be the strongest 

of them all

and from what I’ve learned 

since I was born, 

is that I’ve been

raised to fall

and endure the dirt 

that comes my way

burying me down to 

make me feel small

- Leah Rae