The answer is burning in the night

Laurie Baron

Melody: “Blowing in the Wind”

By Laurie Baron

SAN DIEGO−

How many times must a black man say
That he is gasping for air?
How many police must stand idly by
As he dies while they silently stare?
How many times will this story repeat
Before they see it’s unfair?
The answer, my friend, is burning in the night.
The answer is burning in the night.

How many years can injustice exist
Before there’s racial equality?
How many years must protesters resist
Until the end of such brutality?
And how many times will we watch videotape
And pretend that we just do not see?
The answer, my friend, is burning in the night.
The answer is burning in the night.

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Baron is professor emeritus of history at San Diego State University. He may be contacted via lawrence.baron@sdjewishworld.com. San Diego Jewish World points out to new readers that this column is satire, and nothing herein should be taken literally.