A Poem For Barack Obama
Semagic 1.7.3.3U - Rebecca Juro (beckygrrl) @ livejournal.com
I am not a poet. In fact, while I’ve been writing for years, this is my first attempt ever at this kind of thing, so I ask your indulgence. Bad poetry it may be, but it’s how I feel. I offer it in the hope that its message will supersede its failings in style and format.
As your big day approaches
I hope you realize
The hurt that you have caused us
Our feelings brutalized
As millions cheer your victory
We cry for what we’ve lost
To return an invitation
Is it really worth the cost?
We know you just don’t get us
We’re those who you avoid
I say this as a Lesbian
Transgender
Unemployed
For all your talk of changing things
For which you are renown
Did you really have to do it?
To kick us when we’re down?
We thought that you knew better
We thought you’d understand
How you’d rip our wounds back open
By honoring this man
The message you have sent us
As clear as clear can be
Fairness, freedom, and respect
Are not for those like me
I will not come to Washington
Can’t bear to see that day
When the values of a bigot
Are put upon display
I will watch it on TV
But I will tune in late
For I am an American
I will not honor hate