Inspired by “Audubon Ballroom” by Lupe Fiasco I sat there in the Audubon Ballroom, shocked. Wondering as wood splinters and blood floated in the air if I could’ve dove in front of those bullets. Or at least screamed, yelled, or something, anything to maybe save you. But I didn’t. Instead I’m rushing your bleeding body through Harlem streets screaming, “Move! Don’t go brother. We need you brother.”
MARTYRS
25
REGINALD LIGGINS
I ask what I could’ve done differently but sometimes you have to lose before you gain. Which is why that day in Memphis a few years later I stood outside the Lorraine Motel, eyes glued to the balcony, wanting to scream, “Move! Don’t go brother. We need you brother.” But I can’t. The levee of my eyes broke and balled fist shook as a single shot shattered silence. “I’m sorry” I whisper, knowing I could have dove in front of bullets this time. But knowing I can’t. For this had to happen.