Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. – James Baldwin
This day acts like
it has no end struttin’ around the old block.
This day acts like
it has no plan sneakin’ inside those unlocked doors
diggin’ out bribes from hungry pockets
whisperin’: “it’s not a crime if they’re not human”.
This day snacks on history all day long weaponizes whiteness
consuming itself while avoiding mirrors
How else does it feel safe and secure when the light turns to orange
then shines on brown and black waiting for the blue
moon reflecting monumental shadows?
All the while darkness searches for space
meant for replenishing hope.
This day acts as if hope can be invented new every day everyone entitled to buy it
as if a little bleach and money can’t hurt
as if compassion is passe
as if the law says so…
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Kay L Cook holds a BA in Sec. Ed., M.Ed. in Special Education; certification as a School Psychologist. Her writing focuses on miscommunication due to racial, cultural and mental health differences, including systemic racism.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao.
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