LJ Idol 10 - Week 5: Fear is the Heart of Love

[eeyore_grrl]

			fear is the heart of love

“freedom” drips from our tongues
	runs in the blood of america like an inoculation
		we feel protected
			 impregnable
			
			 safe
 
we stand at the gates
	automatic weapons at the ready 
	automatic words at the ready
	automatic hate 	
			   at the ready

we shout out
	angry,
		laden with fear,
			wanting safety that we can’t put into words

we fly the flag of ancestors
	(orange and crossed)
	claiming “heritage”
	claiming “pride”
	claiming that hatred can’t live in a piece of cloth
	
	oh, but it does

the confederate flag flying
			proud
	from the window of your home tells me that we cannot be friends
		because that flag stands for slavery
						  segregation
						  racism

	that flag stands for hate
					and dominance of a people

we want to ban muslims 
build a wall against our neighbor
	we want to build a bigger arsenal
			and arm ourselves to teeth
we want to live like survivalists in a white, white world

	and we think that this whiteness protects us
					         elevates us
				we think this shroud and hood are becoming
								      are important

the road to muslim registries and even more persecution is paved with racist intent
	because we hate what is different
			we fear that which is unknown
		and here you stand,
				on our shores, in our fields
				climbing our mountains, and walking our orchards
			claiming freedom and greatness are simply ours for the taking

				but you are building with blocks of fear and hatred
					you are lying
					trying to change the meaning of truth
		
	and we are standing firm
		        standing strong
		        standing on the strength of our other ancestors
		
		        standing for truth and justice 
		        standing for equality

we will not be defined by this hatred
	we will be defined by strength and justice

	we will wrap your fear in community
		 wrap your fear in protests
		 wrap your fear in love love love

together we can refuse to live with hatred in our veins
	together we can turn fear into love

	together we stand

Comments

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

I was hoping someone would discuss the current political climate with this topic. You did not disappoint. Well done.

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. I honestly couldn't see how I could not to go political with this topic at this point in time. I don't know that my poetry is seen outside of my close people and LJ Idol these days, but I hope it is doing a tiny bit of good somehow.

[dancingyel.livejournal.com]

This turned out so great!

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'm not thrilled with the video, but it works, I think.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

People do forget that the Confederate Flag is also a flag of treason against the United States, as it represented a body that attacked this country! How anyone would want to "celebrate" that chapter in history is a method of trying to understand the very complex psychology of the nation itself.

Thanks for this.

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

The weirdest was when I saw a giant confederate flag hanging from the porch of a Chalet in Switzerland 2 summers ago. I'm guessing and American expatriot, but still, I was floored by the sight.

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

I liked the positive end of turning fear into love. Great take!

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

Generally, I try to remain positive. Or at least acknowledge that positive is there. The world is far, far too scary otherwise.

[rswndrlst.livejournal.com]

yasssss! :snap: :snap: :snap: :snap:

This really made me want to go to open mic this week, great use of the prompt!

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

I really should find some open mics around me. I miss them!

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

Great way to do a political take on the prompt!

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It's hard for me to NOT write politically in this climate.

[dmousey.livejournal.com]

And the crowd goes wild!!!! This is an awesome piece of work! Hugs and peace~~~

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!

[mamas-minion.livejournal.com]

I like the sentiment of the poem and agree with it. We must stand against those who use patriotism as excuse for hate and bigotry.

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

And there is just so _much_ of it right now.
:-/

[adoptedwriter.livejournal.com]

Very timely for this week. Nice way to use the prompt.

[my-name-is-jenn.livejournal.com]

because we hate what is different
we fear that which is unknown

This is what breaks my heart the most.

Fantastic take on the prompt. I love how you ended on a positive note. Yes, TOGETHER WE STAND.

[eeyore-grrl.livejournal.com]

and we have to keep standing. together.