Chen-ou Liu's Translation Project: First English-Chinese Haiku and Tanka Blog

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The Skin He’s In

Five days after the New Year’s Eve ball drop and publication of a 300-plus-page report, the senior justice addresses reporters in a firm voice. “Random street checks should end as there is little evidence to show this policing practice is useful in reducing crime, while it disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous and racialized groups.”

My friend, a long-time Somali community activist, shrugs. “It’ll end up gathering dust on a bookshelf, like all the others.”

twilight chill
a cop's shadow cuts through
a black teen