hush.
A poem about humility
*DISCLAIMER* This poem’s topic is The Black Lives Matter movement, a topic I’m still educating myself on. This poem is just as much for me as it is for the designated reader. If I speak out of turn, call me out. It’s my duty to be a better writer, ally, and friend.
hush.
listen.
they’re speaking.
this isn’t about you
your pain
dissimilar to their ancient anguish
yes, your hurt is genuine
but your silence
agitates their hurt
no, they don’t owe you anything
no, they aren’t defenseless
no, they didn’t ask for this
no, they didn’t pick this fight
neither did you
it’s not your fight
it’s your mess
start cleaning it up
hush.
listen.
they’re speaking.
stop crying
your tears cause them to slip
stop screaming
you’re drowning their voices
stop preaching
you’re not their minister
stop growling
you sound like an untamed beast
stop coddling
they can fend for themselves
stop boasting
you didn’t care until now
stop leading
this isn’t about you
this isn’t your war.
they can fight their own battles.
have fought
for years, centuries,
a war you didn’t care about
for a dignity, a humanity
robbed, denied, taunted, ridiculed, slandered,
are you uncomfortable?
deal with it
hush.
listen.
they’re speaking.
this isn’t recess
this isn’t a ploy
this isn’t reality television
this isn’t for your entertainment
this war has no glamor, no glory
too much blood has been shed
leave now, they don’t need your apathy
wake the hell up
think about someone else
empathy isn’t expensive
discussions don’t require degrees
you’re out of excuses
uneducated?
do something about it
HUSH.
LISTEN.
THEY’RE SPEAKING.
if not now, when?
what time is more convenient?
what other pressing matters
must require your undivided attention?
exhausted? tired? beleaguered?
take a break
then
come
back
they need your support, not your swords
they need your strength, not your brawn
they need your love, not your opinion
don’t hold them back.
hold their hand.
hush.
listen.
they’re speaking.
