We would do well to remember who we are
–to protect the vulnerable
–reject the hate
–inject compassion into all we do,
to embrace our better angels.
The practice of hate in our country
tastes like rust in our mouths,
like the blood of those shot in the street
not because they were criminals
but because they had the audacity
to to stand up for their beliefs–
to speak for those whose voices
have been stifled for far too long.
A government that is not for its people
isn’t right, it’s just wrong.
A president who profits off the marginalized
while wielding the knife that slices through
all that we are and all that we do
is no more than a dictator in disguise.
Open your eyes to this darkness
that threatens our very soul.
We have a choice:
stay silent in the face of autocracy
and watch these blatant atrocities,
or use our voice
no matter how difficult
no matter how long it takes
keep making noise.
© Ginny Brannan 2026
