The TV Is My Playground

Cleveland Police Department

Officer shot kid with play gun.

The T.V. is my playground.

A shopping center of sorts. So when, I see whatever, want, beg my mother for toys.

Can I Can I please, I know it's just a waste, but little did I know that what I lived for, I'd die by one day.

So here I am happy. Complete. Playing imaginary cowboys, my new Tonka toy and me. It's black and real, the grip is soft the extra clip is even gold.

I wish I was more aware of my surroundings like I was told when I was 5. P, stay out of the street, Look both ways and be home before the street lights go on at night. Nope, not today, I'm just minding my own business, playing with my own toys. The ones the cops play with. My dad owns one and so do the big boys.

Finally, I'm big too and Ill like them one day, but why are they yelling at me to "Freeze, Don't Move, Get on the ground boy and watch what you say." Slowly my head swivels on this neck, swear is mines. Is it my J's, my Dickies, my hoodie, my skittles. This Gatorade or because I'm walking blind.

What's that the tall one's scream, "Oh no, this toy is mines. My mother told me if it's lost or get stolen I won't see nothing till Christmas time.

So I turn my head back on its axis, steady my feet and take off at my fastest. I'm free, I'm light I feel it in my bones, Then I feel heat expand until I'm numb.

What did I do to deserve this last resort.

The T.V. is my playground that shopping center of sorts.

-D. Gilmore