Day Three - Rebecca del Rio

Larry Robinson Lrobpoet at sonic.net
Tue Nov 15 07:52:59 PST 2016


Day Three

I text my friend, I'm going 
To buy a gun. Will you
Teach me how to shoot?
What do I want? To protect

All the young—and older—black men,
The refugees who have no home 
To go home to, the men in turbans,
The women in veils, Esperanza's children,
Her grandchildren, my best friend 
Who is gay, my grandson who is sensitive
And bullied. I am afraid.

Yesterday, I was determined, lifted
Up by the certainty that resistance
Will strengthen us. 
Two days ago, I was hollowed out,
Sucker-punched and dazed. Death
Showed up in my dreams. 

Today, a French friend, born in Baghdad 
Bought me a coffee, commiserated
And acknowledged that it wasn't just
My country, but it seemed madness
Had invaded his, too. 

I awaken from fear 
To find sorrow as my path
Today. Not hopelessness
Which makes all things possible,
But mourning that invites me in,
Sets the table and tells me

Don't abandon yourself
Fighting fear with fear. 
Hold tight to your heart
That tells you no end
Justifies violent means.

You are the daughter of eternity 
And no gun will protect you
>From the life you were given
To live.

	- Rebecca del Rio


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