To Life by Dr. Harry Rissetto

To Life

By: Dr. Harry Rissetto, Department of Religion

Would a crowd have followed him

when he arrived in Linden

and walked toward the large casket

carried from Brooklyn

Did Gwen Carr’s tears stop

when He put his hand

on the polished white Rosedale wood

and spoke directly to a widow’s son.

Would he have responded quickly

to Tamika Palmer’s call that night

and crossed a crowded Springfield Drive

the arms of police brushing against his robe

Did the officers ridicule him

as He placed his fingers into the holy walls

of the St. Anthony Gardens apartment

before entering to find her sleeping.

Would LaTonya and Bridgett have been angry

that he waited four days

before beginning his walk to Minneapolis

to arrive at 38th and Chicago

Did He raise eyes in Pearland

standing eight minutes

forty-six seconds silent

under a Texas sun

before lifting his voice

“Eric, Breonna, and George, come out!”