The things I would like to forget are clear
while the things I would like to remember
slip away like a playlist on a playback feed.
The happy faces of refugees
making it safely to Lviv,
then on to even safer spaces
are not so clear as those in tears
who remain under siege in fear
that they will die of famine or thirst
or gunshots, missiles, or worse.
Too many soldiers lie in wait
at too many city gates
to begin the killing spree
of genocide against those free
of despots and autocrats
across their borders.
I can barely say the names
of those who live here at home
with the same desire to destroy
our hard won democracy.
It is clear whom they admire.
First, themselves for cleverness
and ability to con under the duress
of fear, superiority and loathing.
They build fear’s weapons
and amass stockpiles of fear
funded with tax-free incomes
and air it far and wide,
while they hide as Citizens United
in common cause to destroy
people of color, women, and those whose gender
threatens their white male masculinity
and the women who wash their feet
with unshed tears from their own hidden fears.
Cowards are everywhere.
We used to deride them.
Now we elect them.
I wish we could forget them.
But they are hiding in plain sight.
and they will never do what is right.
And so we must reject them
and win this last fight against them.
Vote! damn it. Vote!
While you still can.
annarino writes 