Poem: I BELIEVE IN MAGIC

I BELIEVE IN MAGIC

There is magic, child,

in how people rush

to justify the unjust

how protectors

can kill with impunity

and almost 

every

time

be found guiltless

and go free

There is magic

in how speaking out

is a bigger problem

than injustice itself

There is magic

in how the right act

is an affront to liberty

in how doing better

is slavery

and the expectation to do better

is oppression

There is magic in how

somehow

there is not Enough to go around

but there is always Enough

for more of the same

There is magic

in how racism thrives

but no one is racist

in how sexism lives

as excuses die

and in how They demand

you always say "Please"

to get Them to give you

what you should already have

There is magic around you, child.

Just open your eyes.

Poem: COME TO THE TABLE

COME TO THE TABLE

This work has needed doing

There have already been others doing it

You may be joining just now

but you are welcome here

Come to the table

and see how old it is

See the nicks and scratches,

gouges and splinters,

knots and holes

and chipped off edges

Acknowledge these and remember

that you are welcome here

Look at the smooth places,

the polish, the varnish,

the grain, the stain

the way parts are patched

and joined

and mended

The care with which it was made and maintained

Come here and know:

We will laugh and cry

fuss and fight

teach and learn

speak and listen

struggle and strive 

Come here and know

it will not be easy

people always leave

and some come back

Look, now

See all this

Know all this

Think

Reflect

Make your choice

With all this, know

you are welcome here