It Is Enough

It is enough.

What else can be said with the news of yet another African American man killed by the actions of the authorities? This time in Minneapolis. What else can be said as the rage and grief surge through our nation yet again? How many times must we endure such tragedies? How long before we as a nation, and particularly those in power over our nation, confess the evil of racism that permeates our systems of law enforcement and government? “How long, O Lord?”

The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” speak to this moment yet again: “Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” It is enough.

We offer these words, written by, R. DeAndre Johnson, and given permission to post as a way of speaking to our pain and the nation’s rage:

“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? – Jer. 8:22

Two weeks ago, I posted my own musings concerning the wrongful death of another black man, and now I find myself today still coming to grips with news of still yet another life gone. I feel all the more today the truth of the prophet/poet James Baldwin: "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time."

I'm offering these words, yet one more time – not because I need the attention or pity (I don't), but because I need the release from the anger, the hurt, the fear and the doubt. I've added a couple of stanzas for today. Also, some have asked me to set it to music, which I have included here.

There are no words that can contain
The depth of sorrow, grief and pain
That mothers, sons, and all exclaim:
Kyrie eleison!

"It is enough!", the prophets cry
Yet still black men are doomed to die
By those who wish to vilify:
Kyrie eleison!

It is enough! The harm must cease
From warring madness by police
Who are sworn to protect, keep peace:
Kyrie Ellison!

It is enough! We cannot wait!
No more excuse for bias, hate!
Your savagery we cannot take:
Christe eleison!

It is enough! We cannot breathe!
Will you stand there and watch us bleed?
Are you not moved by cries and pleas?
Christe eleison!

No! No more death! It is enough!
No more dead sons! It is enough!
No! No more tears for lives cut short:
Christe eleison!

O my soul, it aches and yearns
For a day when passions burn
For others with deep love, concern:
Kyrie eleison!

I've had enough of these charades,
Of clichés and hasty crusades
Whose triteness wounds and cuts like blades:
Kyrie eleison!

There are no words that can contain
The depth of wounds our souls sustain
Each time a grieving heart exclaims:
Kyrie eleison!