On George Floyd and Heroes

When I was 9,
I watched
Superman
shoot
across powder blue skies,
Spiderman
swing through
urban sprawl
choosing -
to use powers that made them unique
to save people
who could never thank them enough,
choosing -
to sacrifice normal life;
Superheroes.
I wanted to be them.

Today,
America murders
then martyrs.
Victims
become “heroes”
for their lives
ending in ways
they never chose.
Then
murals,
black squares,
hashtags,
moments of silence,
donations,
marching
on blood-soaked streets.
Documented
performative
healing.
I don’t want to be a hero
anymore.
I’m not 9.
-kco.