The Source Arts & Literature section highlights the work of our creative readers. All visual artists and creative writers are encouraged to share with us new works. Please see below for full submission guidelines.
A Cry For Tyre
On that fateful day he did everything right,
He was calm, obedient, didn’t put up a fight.
But this was the mission of the Furious Five:
Tyre Nichols won’t get home alive!
They beat and they tazed him, they did their worst.
When they were done, he was fit for a hearse!
They pulled and dragged and left him for dead,
EMTs came and looked on as he bled.
Cameras rolled while they did their crime,
But no script writer could imagine this line!
Were there no crimes happening in the ‘hood,
Why these cops did the opposite of what they should?
Five men in blue, but all six were black,
It didn’t matter the day of the attack.
Three days later in a hospital bed
Alas, Tyre was pronounced dead!
Hatred, vengeance, was it the wrong guy?
In any case, he didn’t have to die!
The man who loved sunsets and skating and mom
Would never again cuddle his son.
The fate of these five is yet to unfold,
But the story of Tyre would never grow old.
Defeating racism is the goal to be won,
As a memorial to Tyre and all our lost sons!
Sandra C. Bradley is a Source reader who loves to explore the power of words, the pits of an avocado and the peacefulness of nature.
Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer. Visual art submissions should include at least one high-quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you.
Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.
