For your
ease, never speak
of gender,
politics, or religion
that
isn’t socially accepted.
Our good neighbors hate
conflict,
diversity, and ideas
that challenge their
own.
Hi, I’m
the liberal, LGBTQ+ ally, witchy woman who just moved next door.
- for Poets and Storytellers United--Weekly Scribblings #75: Between What Is Right and What Seems Easy (write new poetry or prose inspired by the idea of choosing between what is right and what seems easy). Also linked to Writers’ Pantry #76: Whatever the Weather.
I'm luckier with my neighbours. A young witch recently moved in next door, and we recognised each other quite quickly – a joy to us both. I have never announced myself to the rest, but I'm sure some things about me make it fairly clear, such as the luminous sign on my front window proclaiming that Fairies Live Here. When the family across the road suffered what seemed to be a demon attack, it was me they ran to for help – and rightly so. I guess it's kind of an open secret. Oh, I remember I did tell my elderly Seventh Day Adventist neighbour, in the interests of honesty. He no longer tries to convert me, and we're still very fond of each other – which has meant both of us overcoming prejudice and suspicion.
ReplyDeleteI envy your next door witch. My closest witchy sister lives a few blocks away. Still close, but not close enough to, let's say, do a quick ritual in the middle of the night. I'm still grateful though. Especially because her witchy garden is so much bigger than mine, and she's quite generous with her herbs.
DeleteOne of these days, I will tell you the story of the Jehovah's Witness who made it her mission to convert me. She failed. In case you anyone's wondering.
DeleteHa ha ha, of course she failed.
Delete😁
DeleteMy SDA friend and I have always seen each clearly as the people, and humanitarians, we are. We appreciate and value each other as who we are at the core, and our beliefs would not make either of us be unkind to others; quite the reverse really. So we just stopped talking about the things we disagree on. It's funny, but although our beliefs differ, our values are much the same.
DeleteThat is wonderful.
DeleteHahahahahaha, love it, Magaly, LOVE IT! Happy Pride to you!
ReplyDeleteHappiest Pride to you, my awesome Debra!
DeleteLOL, in a similarish boat here. Though I do have some very cool neighbors to make up for the irritating ones.
ReplyDeleteThe huge heart of a good one, tends to bury the tiny narrow-mindedness of everyone else.
DeleteA "proud" witch, that one's new to me [smiles]
ReplyDeleteMuch💛love
Really? Hooray to me, then! I'm supper happy to know I just removed a bit of ignorance from our world.
DeleteSometimes it isn't next door neighbors but family. Sometimes the fight and disdain is not worth it.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Once, after I choose to stop interacting with certain family member, more than one person said that I was taking the "easy way out". How wrong they were, and still are--walking away (and staying away) might look easy (and often wrong), but goodness knows that staying can be the hard, wrong, and even dangerous.
DeleteSome people you just can't change or change their minds.
DeleteSo very true.
DeleteNeat little poetry write, Magaly, it says a lot. I love the ending, got to tell where we stand. I'll be an "LGBTQ+ ally" declared identity never know, mixture of both, so just stayed male.
ReplyDeleteHave you attended the New York City's Annual Village Halloween Parade? We did in 2003, I'd go again if I were around.
..
Thank you, Jim. I'm glad you like it. And that you know who you are.
DeleteI went to Village Halloween Parade once. A long time ago. It was so very crowded, but fun. These days I prefer Halloween in Sleepy Hollow. Gorgeous, and more space to run around. Of course, I haven't been since before the pandemic.
We're all different from different backgrounds. We learn from one another to enjoy our differences.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Rob. I think that's one of the gifts diversity gives. So many ways to learn from each other.
DeleteMagaly..how I love this and you!!..you are inspiring and magical and my witchy kindred sister from afar! Beautiful and poignant post and poetry. I could tell you so many stories about my neighbours being scared or judgey of this witch..it is funny, I just keep witching it up regardless. Love the art/graphic! Have a magical night.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my sweetest Victoria. I adore you right back! And you know, one of these days, it might be nice--all right, maybe not nice but illuminating (and even funny)--to share all those stories. Maybe, if we put more of them out there, people would understand that there is nothing to fear.
DeleteRight thought and pieces of advice.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis is just way too funny and you would do that exactly as you wrote it!
ReplyDelete;)
I totally would, lol!
DeleteSadly not everyone can appreciate the thoughts and decisions of others. We really should accept that "Vive la difference" is acceptable they live their lives and we live ours.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Robin. I am certain that everyone would be a tad happier if we accepted (and even embraced) our differences.
DeleteFortunately my current neighbors are all friendly and helpful. Many years ago my neighbors then in a different suburb felt it necessary to play loud music at bedtime.
ReplyDeleteI think your neighbors just moved next door, lol! They seem to have a party every weekend.
Deletediversity makes it more interesting so it's hard to understand those that cannot tolerate certain religions, sexual orientation, race or political views. perhaps it's social media, but we are hearing a lot more of these nowadays.
ReplyDeleteIt makes no sense to me. Why would anyone want a world where everyone is the same. I would probably die of boredom.
DeleteRight on and welcome to the neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteGracias! 😁
DeleteI'd consider myself proud and lucky to have you for a next-door neighbor, Magaly!
ReplyDeleteThe feeling is mutual, Bev!
DeleteNice to meet you. I'd prefer you to some of my neighbors! I tend to not share things with neighbors, or co-workers when I worked. I live in a liberal state, but a conservative county. "For my ease." Yes, easier for me, which is uncomfortable because not what is right. It's just not safe to be vocal any more.
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to live in NYC. I mean, there are horrible (and dangerous) people everywhere, but here more people are more accepting. One of my dearest friends lives in a place that is similar to yours. I'm always worried about her and her kids.
DeleteThis is an exemplary sevenling! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenna.
DeleteI have some noisy neighbours, but they sing so beautifully, what could I say?
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!
DeleteThis is fantastic!!! Love it! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBiggest hugs to you!
Delete