Dear Friends
     Do not fall back asleep

Although the days are short
And the night is long.
     Do not fall back asleep

If your heart still beats for humanity
I beg you.
Go find your kindling
Reignite the flame within your heart.
     Do not fall back asleep

Remember 401 years of terror for Black Lives.
Reaffirm your commitment to justice
     Do not fall back asleep

Remember we still can’t breathe –
even though we find a way to keep smiling, laughing, drumming, crying,
working, marching
     Do not fall back asleep

For me and mine there is no option
We can not step out of our Black skin and take a day off.
There is no day off.
Our ancestral melanated garment calls us to action everyday. 
     Do not fall back asleep

My dear Ally
There can be no peace in our land if the blood of Black people continues
to flow through the streets.

Stay awake
     Do not fall back asleep.

Poetry and photography by Dr. Kellie Kirksey