Because Easy Isn’t Always Right

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.

via

 - 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.

Things Aren’t All that Different

In a corner of my mind, in a dark bit of space that knows no peace, old tongues chant the same old words: “Things were different back then. The past was harsh and brutal, separate and unequal. But all is better now. Everyone gets a chance. Anyone who works for it gets to be whatever they want. Aren’t you glad? Aren’t you grateful?” My heart wants to say yes—if you love the dream, my heart sings, believe it and it will be yours—but heartsong can’t quiet lived memories. I know.

the only Black boy

in line, can not move ahead

before getting frisked

photo by Marcus Bellamy, on Unsplash

I don’t know the individual in the photo (I’m pretty sure it’s a self-portrait of the photographer), but the frustration in his expression spoke to me. 

for Poets and Storytellers United (Weekly Scribblings #27: Things Were Different Back Then and Writers’ Pantry #28: The rain is like my heart)