Sun shines on sweaty black skin
Running rhythm beats within
Happiness shot down, el fin
Racist men have no chagrin
I ran 2.23 difficult miles today.
It wasn’t difficult because I don’t like stopping at odd numbers. (Don’t tell me I’m the only one who will walk back and forth at the end of a run if I still need .01 to get to a nice, round number…)
It wasn’t difficult because it was 11:47 PM on a Friday night. (I am a night owl so running just before midnight is not out of the ordinary for me.)
It wasn’t difficult because it was a treadmill run. (Although, I am not a big fan of treadmill running, it’s how I’m getting most of my runs during this shelter in place.)
It was difficult because another young black man, Ahmaud Arbery, was killed for doing something that most other people could do without fear – he was going out for a run.
As an Asian, female running in the United States of America, this is what keeps me up at night. Racism is alive and well here. It is more apparent and more prevalent since it’s been given the “all clear” from the highest office in our country. While the white men, a Father/Son duo, who shot Ahmaud were arrested, they live in an area where they (the two white men who shot an unarmed black man) are well connected with law enforcement and the legal system. Will Ahmaud get justice? FYI – there are no hate crime laws in Georgia….
This tanaga (while not written in Filipino) is my way of raising consciousness about the unconscionable. #irunwithMaud #blacklivesmatter
I Do Run 
Sad, extremely sad. Deep-rooted prejudices rear their ugly head every now and then. And we take pride in calling ourselves civilized.
Take care, Irma. I know your heart is too full.
LikeLiked by 2 people
my heart is broken, angry at humanity, angry at hate – a beautiful tribute to this young innocent life, ended too soon.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Our hearts are the same. So tragic to lose an innocent life to those who believe they are more entitled than the rest for us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Racism is rampant everywhere in the world….. and it saddens me greatly, and I abhor the attitude of the so-called leaders of our communities…… even in Australia, the conservative government, manipulates peoples fears via racism to gain themselves votes at the elections (does that sound familiar)…… my heart bleeds for another innocent soul lost…. due to ignorance and arrogance…. of stupid creatures…!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your anger and sadness mimics my own! You’re right about needing to take care of our hearts so we can have the energy to continue. Racism is a world wide phenomenon – it is as much a pandemic as the coronavirus.
LikeLike
Yes I agree, and it’s been around a lot longer than the virus…….. too long..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also wrote on this topic! Very very sad
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read it, Sadje. Yes – your heart is like mine – very sad indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
☹️🥺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, Irma, as usual. Racism is everywhere in the world, yes and sadly, but when the leadership isn’t even pretending that it should be otherwise, it’s heartbreaking and frightening. Heartbreaking. Frightening. All this and a global pandemic to boot. 😥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite true, Jane. You would think a pandemic would bring people together, but that is not the case. Hope you are doing well! I am enjoying your maps!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is unacceptable that anyone should be fearful or think twice about doing ordinary activities just because of skin colour, religion or gender. I worry that humanity will never change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have that same worry but I remain hopeful. Although I don’t think we will see any change in our lifetime, unfortunately. We need to have more people think this type of behavior is unacceptable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We must remain vocal! That is the only hope!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a discussion my husband and I were having just this morning over how even voting and the census cause problems stemming often from a place of racism and prejudice against someone based on their race and ethnic background. It’s a huge problem that shouldn’t be tolerated and too many turn a blind eye and don’t want to speak up or get involved. 😞😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite true. There is much racism that has been institutionalized, codified in our laws and processes. If we continue to turn a blind eye, it will continue to be there. I am glad you and your husband are discussing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, we have friends from all over the world…not to mention the US is supposed to be a beautiful melting pot of diversity and freedom. I feel like it’s a phrase people stir to make of their own meaning. So many amazing men and women from all around the world have lost their lives standing up for freedom, equality, women’s rights and on and on. It’s sad how many years and people’s lives have been put forward for important causes and it feels like all the many years it took to see progress is easily lost in a much shorter period of time based on the political atmosphere and what issues that stand for. 😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
such a waste of such a beautiful life!
Racism is increasingly blatant here … frequent public abuse …
that they could take a life for absolutely no reason but coz they’re white fellas there will be few consequences. That is so wrong and even more tragic as it leads the way for other such murders …
my heart bleeds when I hear of such incidences … when will ever learn!
Sounds like the treadmill is the safest option for now …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, unfortunately, have to agree. So much injustice – it feels like an uphill battle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
when it shouldn’t be!
LikeLike
Wow, just like that…!!!
They should him for being black?..i cannot understand what kind of heart they have..
Keep safe Irma..and i love your Tanaga
P. S
I dont know why you dont show up in my reader so i have to unfollow you and follow again..lol ..lets see if it works
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think maybe they have no heart. I will have to check on yours as well since I haven’t seen you pop up on my reader in a while as well…hmmmmm……
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep safe Irma….and God bless
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for writing this. Also, I had no idea that there are no hate crime laws in Georgia. That’s shocking and unsurprising at the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. You would think every state would have one, but alas, Georgia is one of five (5!!) states in the US that don’t have hate crime laws (the others are Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: I Do Run
Pingback: Song and Dance in the City – A Haibun | I Do Run