Poem by Deborah Johnson

1. 20 SHOTS
1st Shot rang out, I had to run for cover
2nd Shot fell short during one night last summer
3rd Shot was to close for comfort
4th Shot had me explaining to the cops that this happens often
5th Shot was the result of a misunderstanding
6th Shot was met for another bystander
7th Shot glazed me while sitting in my home
8th Shot labeled my neighborhood as a crime zone
9th Shot took place while in the club
10th Shot had me thinking about something I have never done
11th Shot came to no surprise
12th Shot was an encounter, in which I was protecting what was mine
13th Shot made me take in consideration what was at stake
14th Shot had me wanting to relocate
15th Shot encouraged me to take notice
16th Shot kept me grounded, alert and focus
17th Shot indicated there was no relief in sight
18th Shot convinced me that things will never be right
19th Shot had me believing that this was good­by
20th Shot rang out and I knew I was gonna die
Because I have now crossed paths with the cops
And they followed up with 20 more shots.
By
Deborah Johnson