I.  Just Us 

She donned her marching shoes (comfy tennies actually) 

put on a bright shirt

and out she went to the streets,

neon homemade placard in hand.

She prayed for peace for all, no violence.

She knew she could be shot dead.

But she could die in bed

of a brain bleed too!

No fear, no hate, 

and, she reminded herself,

no "us against them."

Just us.

The shift she was praying for,

just us,

all the colors of the world,

a harmonious blend of caring,

despite our differences,

kindness and compassion,

us.

 

II. Breathe

Hey, wait a minute,

that crazy person on the pedestal in the park,

saying mean things, 

what do I do with that?

Shout back?

Hey, wait a minute,

scratch the surface,

don't you see,

they want the same thing you do,

caring, kindness, solace, love.

Oh, but so buried under layers and layers of fear and hate.

Hey, wait a minute, what do I do with that?

I guess I'll wait

and breathe

and see what happens,

in a minute.