My name is Alexis and I have an addiction.
I have an addiction to being filled with emotion when I hear of all the injustice that’s going on in our community.
I have an addiction to feeling revengeful knowing that it could be my brother, mother, sister or cousin next.
I have an addiction to thinking one day there will be social change.
However my addiction is contagious and it’s plenty of hearts that FILL this way.
Hearts filled with sorrow underlying violent emotion.
My cup pours over with disbelief.
My life matters in the sense of a price.
My life matters in the sense of a dream.
My life matters in the sense of trying to assimilate to a “Great America.”
All lives matter but racial barriers are our chains.
I want to be free of my chains but ignorance won’t let this be.
I have an addiction to dignity.
I have an addiction to being black, an ebony queen.