Prayer for May 25, 2021

God, I hold my breath
and pray for George Floyd’s family,
not today’s newsfeed
telling me about the meaning of his death,

until I cannot stand it.

I hold my breath
and pray for George Floyd’s friends.
not my memories of marches,
not details of the trial,

until I see little spots.

I hold my breath
and pray for mamas everywhere,
not how policing has changed
or where it is worse,
not about racism and my part in it,

until I snort, all snotty and ugly.

I hold my breath and pray again
for Black mamas and their children.

Help me tomorrow, God,
to begin breathing
for something that matters. amen.