A Touching Poem By Tire Nichols' Sister

Tire Nichols’ sister read a touching poem at her brother’s funeral, days after he died from injuries inflicted by police during a fight.

• Also read: In California, police kill an African American man who had both legs amputated

• Also read: Emotion and anger at police violence at Tire Nichols funeral

He had been beaten relentlessly until he was unrecognizable to his family.

Several prominent figures attended the widely publicized funeral, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Here is the full poem, read by the victim’s sister.

I’m just trying to get home

Is that too much?

I haven’t broken any laws

On my way

I have crossed the barriers

built to hold me

I’m just trying to get home

Where love is strong and smiles are warm

Like the sunsets that comfort me

In the cold storms

I’m just trying to get home

I hear the sirens and I see the lights

The instructions are clear

The blacks on the left and the blues on the right

I’m just trying to get home

I deserve to be safe

At a time when badges, boots and flashlights

point at my face

I’m just trying to get home

Does anyone hear the pain in my crying?

trouble breathing?

God then answers: Come home, my child

You can finally rest