Our work has just begun.
If we are to act to HOPE,
If we are to realize our storytelling,
If we are to realize our create+make,
If we are to realize our mended piece-quilt,
If we are to realize our goals of Social Equity,
we must discuss, debate and draw
consensus through negotiation.
Wherefore, engaged, thoughtful
hoping, storytelling and creating
are crucial to Advocacy.
Here is a place to start,
a not-so-novel concept:
Stop the name-calling!
There are pressing state ‘n federal bills and
laws to reinforce, revise or repudiate;
unjust ones to strike down,
just ones to uphold,
new ones to propose.
There are also constitutional, economical,
educational, medical, protective, sexual,
scientific and environmental issues
to address with many people
precariously perched and
in need of our help
and support
trust, and
love.
If we slide into apathy, if we forfeit empathy,
we will never achieve our potential for unity.
Yet, we cannot provide just care for all
by sentiment alone; it is insufficient.
Action informed by empathy is the
only true course of mending.