Despondent

Sometimes you hear me say,

“We just need a beam of optimism,”

“We just need a sense of real hope,”

Then these past traumas can be forgiven

As we release the tension bound by our own rope.

 

But tonight I told you to be careful

Because too many have not made it home alive.

Tonight I prayed God would protect you

As you move meaningless goods of commerce

Through crowds sometimes pleading, sometimes screaming for justice

And I watched progress’ movement stall and grow cursed.

 

Because how can I say hope will fix this?

How can optimism be a guide

When years of torment are thrust back out

Onto streets for complacent bystanders

To either be destroyed by or to hide?

 

How can we wish for a better future

When we destroy our communities from within?

How can we call for increased equity

As we use another’s sin to justify our crimes?

How can we ever truly forgive

If we don’t believe in right and wrong,

Good and bad, agency to choose,

And the ultimate need to help each other live?

 

–Written by Sandy Heights

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