It’s been a long walk toward mercy and justice.  To advocate on its behalf is completely and totally right.  To protest in peaceful assembly is totally and completely right.   It’s totally wrong to burn down cities and private property and historical churches and monuments.  All lives matter.  All life is sacred.

Long Walk To Mercy
by Michael Doyle

There's a lot of talk
Of justice being served
But the conviction given
Was not deserved

It was sure enough
A case of mistaken identity
The bitter fruit of which
Is sadly part of our legacy

An innocent man
Driven to tears
Hoping against hope
Just to persevere

Looking for a lawyer's
Fancy talk and elocution
To somehow obtain
A stay of his execution

A couple of AME choir boys
Hanging out on death row
Pressing on the upward way
It's a long road to mercy, you know

It could have been 
You or even me
But for God's hand
It's that plain to see

Crossed lines
Of vapid demarcation
Capital punishment
As the warden's invitation

There's an indignity
In how many are treated
But a good man
Won't be easily defeated

(c) June 8, 2020  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved