Jun 16, 2021
Sonnet №84 — I Stand
I always believe the oppressed. Sure, every so often, there is a hoax, but for every hoax, I suspect there are hundreds, probably thousands of incidents that go unreported for fear of reprisal. I like my odds.
Sonnet 84 — I Stand — protest poem 12
I will always stand with those who are oppressed.
I will always hear their cries: “I’ve been wronged.”
Until the inequality’s addressed,
this is the hate our beloved country’s spawned.
A woman says she’s raped. I believe her.
Black man says cops beat him. I believe him.
“My husband broke my nose.” Yes, he beat her.
They searched me ‘cos I’m Black. I believe him.
“I was not allowed to vote.” I’ll be there.
“Our drinking water’s lead.” It’s my mission.
“We have no health insurance.” I will care.
We’ll fight together until somebody listens.
There will be times when I am wrong, that’s true,
yet I’ll be right with history when we’re through.
— — August 2020.
