In an NPR interview, the poet discusses race in America and reads a poem she wrote in the aftermath of the deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, who were shot and killed by police officers.

Here is a short haiku she wrote after a visit to Ferguson, Mo., in 2014:

Because white men can’t police their imaginations, black men are dying.

The interview below mentions the poem “Stop and Frisk,” which you can listen to Rankine read in the clip above the NPR recording.

— Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata

AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…

In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.

Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG