Poetry in the Face of Police Brutality: Unmasking Injustice

Police brutality is a pressing issue that continues to afflict our society. As a means of expressing their pain, anger, and hope for change, poets have turned to their craft to shed light on the realities of this systemic problem. Through evocative imagery, powerful metaphors, and emotional narratives, these poems capture the essence of police brutality, urging readers to confront the urgent need for justice. In this article, we explore a selection of poems that boldly tackle this subject matter.

1. "The Uniform" by Langston Hughes

The Uniform

He was a big man,
says the size of his shoes
on a pile of broken glass
by the roadside,
says the size of his clothes
in a pile of rags
beside the road.

He was a big man,
says the length of his body
with its head smashed in
like a rotten pumpkin,
says the size of his hands
on the metal cuffs,
says the size of his legs
on the iron chain.

He was a big man,
says the empty cell
with its smoke and filth,
says the big man
with his eyes in the shadows,
says the big man,
big and vacant as a gray stone.

In "The Uniform," Langston Hughes masterfully portrays the dehumanizing effects of police brutality. Through vivid descriptions, he confronts readers with the physical aftermath of violence, emphasizing the immense power wielded by those in uniform.

2. "Shot" by Dunya Mikhail

Shot

They used their guns
To make him a bird
And he flew away
Like a bullet
Into the sky.

His soul didn't know
The soul of a bullet
Would never rest
In the sky
Just like the bird
Never rests on the ground.

Dunya Mikhail's "Shot" offers a poignant metaphorical reflection on the tragic consequences of police violence. Comparing the victim to a bird shot down, Mikhail highlights the irreparable damage inflicted on innocent lives and the inability to find peace or justice in such a world.

3. "Hands Up" by Clint Smith

Hands Up

every day children across america pledge allegiance
to a country that promises them
liberty and justice for all
but some people have never been afforded justice
some people have never been afforded the right to be

some people have never been afforded the right to become
a whole sentence

some people have never been afforded the right to become
a whole sentence
a whole human being
without being interrupted
by a period
so instead
they are forced to become
a comma

Clint Smith's "Hands Up" confronts the inequality and injustice rampant in the United States. Through powerful imagery and a subtle critique of the Pledge of Allegiance, Smith underscores the harsh reality faced by marginalized communities, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

Poetry has the remarkable ability to challenge societal norms and bring injustices to the forefront. These poems about police brutality serve as a rallying cry, unmasking the systemic issues deeply embedded within our society. Through raw emotion and thought-provoking imagery, poets demand that we confront the harsh realities of police violence and work tirelessly to bring about a world where justice prevails. As we continue to reckon with this pressing issue, these poems serve as a reminder of the power of words in the pursuit of a more just and equitable future.