“I Hope…”

by Krishon Allen

I hope you would see me

Before a hashtag precedes my name

Before my face is a mural on a brick façade

I hope you would see me

As a parent to my children

As a lover to my spouse

As the family comedian at gatherings

I hope you would see me

Before there are cries for justice

And tears from gas in the streets

I hope you would see me

As a fixture in my community

As someone who has challenges not different from others

As a teenage boy

I hope you would see me

Before the church is praying for my family and community

Before the media has dissected my life to justify things

I hope you would see me

As created in the image of God

As a life worth saving through de-escalation

As someone that has the hope of tomorrow

My prayer is that you would take the time to see me