don’t shoot

there is a black boy at the door

looking for his siblings

don’t shoot

there is a young black man

ringing the doorbell

don’t shoot

there is a black child at the door

and he is lost

don’t shoot

there is a brother at the door

looking for his family

don’t shoot

there is a baby at the door

trynna get home

don’t shoot

there is life at the door

moving towards life

don’t shoot

there is a neighbor at the door

there is a need at the door

there is a person at the door

there is a future at the door

there is a story at the door

you can help write it

towards coming home

towards a safe ending

towards a next breath

oh holy hell

don’t knock

don’t get lost

don’t need

don’t seek

don’t run out of gas

don’t let your phone die

don’t go for a walk

don’t go for a drive

don’t play on the playground

don’t blast your music

don’t laugh out loud

don’t let them see you

don’t have a heart attack

don’t wonder, or wander

don’t approach with innocence

don’t center with a deep breath

don’t pray as you ring the bell

don’t smile as you realize your mistake

don’t make any mistakes

don’t whistle

don’t flirt

don’t rest down your vigilance

don’t be you

don’t be seen

don’t breathe

don’t even breathe

child, there is a hunter

at the door

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