As promised to my Myspace readers, a poetic account of my brother Tony's run in with the Kennewick Police Department. Hit the Myspace link in my den profile to read the story in Tony's own words. Note: This is an isolated account of police brutality and does not depict my overall opinion of the officers that serve us. I do however, take great pleasure in exposing this particular story.
Do you remember Officer Protect and Serve, that night in the alley.....? So close to shift change the innocent girl was struck in the face by a drunkard. You and your gang of blue, Kennewick's finest.....Lackadaisically attempting to disperse the crowd while someone's daughter lay in the street screaming.....bleeding. No paperwork tonight-right? Were you surprised at the demands of a lone voice in the shadows? "What is your job? Why then, are you not doing it?" Words ripped through your ego's protective vest like armor piercing rounds. A citizen holding YOU accountable for YOUR lack of action? A minor irritant for you, Hallowed Authority Figure. Do you remember your solution Peace Officer? Public humiliation forces public intimidation. The tactical employment of nightsticks, kneecaps and cannibalization of civil liberties.....right? Three trusted Enforcers forcing an already compliant citizen, victimized by complacency to comply. Hands willingly offered to you with no defense for rib crushing blows. Did you feel big that night.....Master of Interpersonal Communication? You got your bust, still oblivious to a young woman's fate of injustice. Did you not recognize who you attempted to beat into submission? The clues were there as you rummaged through his belongings.....obnoxiously discarding them onto the street! His name was Tony.....A descendant of warriors with photographic memory, a veteran of Afghanistan, and the brother of a merciless poet! Peace be unto you Protector.....Until the lone voice in the alley becomes many- And you my friend, become the void that produces a new vacancy within the gang of blue.
You have the right to defuse
or should I say release that anger
that needs to be ventilate
release that steam thats building up within
before one blows a valve.
I too after retiring from the Police Dept.
Had a run in with a wanna be supercop
who was not aware I too was a cop
Once I ID Myself, his story changed,
but stayed stewing within his own arrogance
Me, I just walked away as if he did'nt exsit.
Peace my friend
OMG this is screaming out the anger and the humiliation felt deep within!!
Hope healing will come soon!!
Love Tinka
Reviewed by marian Akers (Reader)
Reviewed on May 2, 2007
Bravo!!! Well written. I realize that all men in blue aren't to be judged by the few ignorant, selfish, inconsiderate, egotistical men in blue of that night. That was a very unfortunate, sad and uncalled for retaliation on someone speaking the truth and exercising his freedom of speech. Some times the truth hurts, yes!
The anger and humiliation is heard loudly in your poem--and sounds like it comes with good reason. I hope your brother, Tony, came through the ordeal without too many physical or emotional scars.
Most of our men and women in blue are respectable; there are, as in all areas of public service, bad apples that need to be weeded out. I'm sorry for what your brother had to endure; painful powerful telling, well penned sadness.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Reviewed by Tony Clayton (Reader)
Reviewed on May 1, 2007
Thank you brother, glad there is finally some justice to a night that never knew justice existed. You did an excellent job, this is one of my favorites. Voices were meant for being heard.
Love you,
Tony
Early Works is an exhaustive compilation of the first decade of the poems and stories of Z.B.McClure. Included are family photos, rare personal photos, photos of 1st draft manuscripts of many of his early poems. Also some biography and memoir materia
Early Works is an exhaustive compilation of the first decade of the poems and stories of Z.B.McClure. Included are family photos, rare personal photos, photos of 1st draft manuscripts of many of his early poems. Also some biography and memoir materia
or should I say release that anger
that needs to be ventilate
release that steam thats building up within
before one blows a valve.
I too after retiring from the Police Dept.
Had a run in with a wanna be supercop
who was not aware I too was a cop
Once I ID Myself, his story changed,
but stayed stewing within his own arrogance
Me, I just walked away as if he did'nt exsit.
Peace my friend
William
Hope healing will come soon!!
Love Tinka
Most of our men and women in blue are respectable; there are, as in all areas of public service, bad apples that need to be weeded out. I'm sorry for what your brother had to endure; painful powerful telling, well penned sadness.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Love you,
Tony