Bill Newby
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​​​Bill Newby
Eight Minutes and Forty-Six Seconds
      In memory of George Floyd (1973-2020)
 
Eight minutes and forty-six seconds
is enough time to unload a dishwasher,
walk around the block,
say your vows, kiss your bride
and walk up the aisle.
 
It’s sufficient
for deciding what’s right and wrong,
asking for a breath,
speaking to your mother,
and changing your mind.
 
In this span one can light a fire,
acknowledge systemic racism,
recite the names of victims,
and decide that enough is enough.
 
During the ticking we can remember
that America is a fragile idea,
peaceful protest is a right,
police are not above the law,
and empathy knits communities together
while only bullies seek to dominate.
 
There’s room in eight minutes and forty-six seconds
to tell a complex story,
decide that the future must be better,
and start to make that happen.
 
      from Passing Through © Bill Newby, 2020

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  • Home
  • Books
  • Previews
    • Cardinal Rules
    • Eight Minutes & Forty-Six Seconds
    • Guy Talk
    • Target Practice
  • Reviews
    • Sea Chests or a Carry-On
    • Passing Through
  • Author
  • Contact