This is a poem I wrote with tears in my eyes, reflecting on the election. It is now over, and all we can do now is speak out, speak loud and act gracefully. This world is filled with hate and anger, acting on the hopes of destruction, not on the hopes of reconciliation and peace. And though I support the peace walks and protests, my main concern is making sure my voice isn't just a part of the defiance, but that my mind, body and spirit are used to help those in need. When I read about the safety pin movement and what it meant, I cried once more. And although I now fashion a safety pin everyday, assuring those who walk near my path that I am an ally and friend, I want to make sure that I am not just wearing it. But that I am living it.

I am here for you, no matter what.

Safety Pin

It is said that in the deep waters in that of which you drown in, there is a buoy.

Grab it.

We believe that if you send some words up to a God, any God, he or she or they will help you.

Pray it.

We are told that we need to treat those who are next to us as though they are ourselves.

So hold them.

We live by a thousand rules

we sing the same twelve hymns

over and over and over

until we run out of breath, and then we blame Him.

It is your fault I cannot speak anymore for my lungs burn from the rage and the anger and the bourbon.

Slow down.

Count to ten.

Because all in all in all, there you are.

Taking up space in this world that seems to have exploded, but dear love, you are still intact.

And when they say that the world is divided by two.

Unite them.

When they talk about building a wall between our two lands.

Fly over it.

Wave a wand and cast a spell and soon the only barrier between you and them is the air that you inhale.

Exhale.

Take it in.

Love your neighbor.

Love yourself.

For today is not tomorrow nor yesterday, and we cannot control either, so just be solid with where you are at.

And who you are with.

Because this moment… well, is now gone.

But don’t fret, no, don’t fret because here comes another one waiting for you to make it all it can be.

They want you to stay down, speak low, keep your eyes to the ground,

but then tell you to look up to the heavens and praise.

Praise Him for He has rescued you,

but darling only you can rescue you.

and if you believe, I love you.

and if you do not believe, well, I still love you.

Because who is to say that I am right and you are wrong?

No one.

So leave your eyes where you want them, speak what comes to mind, and stay strong,

because your life is yours.

And when they say you are wrong,

Fight it.

When they say “THAT”S ENOUGH!”

Don’t buy it.

Because your purpose is not just to make the privileged white man feel better,

no, you are here to help every person.

And yes that includes the white man, but it also includes Muslims, Latinos, African Americans, Atheists, Buddhists, the straight men and women, the gay men and women, the weak, the strong, the scared, the sacred, the bitter, the disabled, the lonely.

Every bit of every person.

With every piece of your heart,

do this for them.

Do this for me.

Do this for you.

So when I tell you that you can change this world?

Believe it.

When someone acts on the goodness of their heart and not by the hate that surrounds their very flesh and bones?

Appreciate it.

And when someone tells you that they love you?

Love them back.

Always love them back.