WE NEED COMRADES NOT ADVOCATES (2025) by Kevin “Rashid” Johnson

We endure torture death
and suffering
while you compete for clout
and fame
Advocates helpers
good talkers bad walkers
ventriloquists who speak
in our name
Which one of you
spoke to us
walked a yard in our shoes
Asked us what mattered
what issues of protest
we choose
When did you good Samaritans
visit
ride hours on a prison bus
But somehow you claim to ride for
stand and speak for us
Your not-for-profits
chasing grant money
raising donations in our name
Criticize the wall street
profiteers
but reap profits from our
suffering just the same
Have you no shame
seeking favor from those
with whom we have beef
Friends of my enemy you’re no friend of me
we need a movement of comrades
with teeth