A Psalm for Cities on Fire

It’s time for action; we’re way past time of debate.

[additional-authors]

Rabbi Paul Kipnes

May 31, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 29: A fire line lies on the sidewalk outside of a burned building on Lake Street on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests have been ongoing in the state and around the country since George Floyd’s death while in police custody on Monday. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

A Psalm for our cities on fire
Aflame with the fires of fear
With anger burning ‘bout brazen brutality:
From a kneed neck Floyd’s breath snuffed out over there

A Psalm for our cities on fire
Veering vigorously toward violence and hate
Preventing protests that promote another vision:
Of justice that we all must create

A Psalm for our brothers and sisters
Who fear for their lives, black and brown
When they jog, shop, go to church, or go bird watching
With their hands held up high, or when lying down

A Psalm to remind us ‘bout justice
And the debasement that threatens their lives
Because our silence can no longer silence
The real pain of widowed husbands and wives

So Pray for our cities on fire
And sing out songs of protest ‘gainst hate
But since lives, they are holy and matter
It’s time for action; we’re way past time of debate

Rabbi Paul Kipnes is the spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami in the Conejo Valley.