In Memory of Jerry Jai Williams

By Damion “DaDa” Bailey –

Let Sparks Fly

(Justice for Jerry)

Pain is in black, and it comes in dark blue skies.

Blue uniforms yell “Freeze” like cold ice in blue eyes.

Beat me black and blue until red blood makes shoes shine.

Bright blue sirens do blind. Young and black are two crimes.

So I sing the blues, but it’s not beautiful blue skylines.

It’s deep like blue ocean bottoms when full moons cause high tides.

It’s blue like big buckets that fill up when we cry.

It’s blue like the blue whale. We both have endangered lifetimes.

So let Sparks Fly.

I’m not taking about bullets. I’m speaking of ideas.

I’m talking about the sacrificed son of Jerry and Najiyyah.

I’m talking about waking up a city that’s been asleep for years.

I’m talking about black pride and white lives marching as peers

So let Sparks fly.

And improve who you are. Stand tall and think big

Stay on the right path even though the path is rigged.

Never lower your head, even if it feels like hope is hid.

Cause if man can train dogs … then man can tame pigs.

So let Sparks fly.

No I’m not talking about bullets. I’m speaking of ideas.

I’m talking about structuring the life that you live.

I’m talking about getting off of Facebook, embarrassing yourself and your kids

And look in the mirror and address all your fears.

So show up and let Sparks Fly.

Cause we’re still dreaming of that North Star.

While streets fill with black men’s blood and women are left with more scars.

Leaving families off balance so now kids are emotionally torn apart.

And know that Justice for Jerry, means there can be justice for all hearts.

***

Damion Bailey is a poet and an artist from Asheville, NC. He has self-published two books of poetry and has a passion for helping others. Damion balances his time between working as a plumber, traveling the world, and doing volunteer work in Central and South America. Reading and illustrating are his hobbies.

Damion is currently working to publish his third book of poetry titled Colors of My Mood Ring and a multicultural coloring book titled Everyday People.