Reflections on the Womens' March--a poem

I showed my solidarity,

I did it voluntarily.

The movement’s popularity

and issues that seemed clear to me

drew me in with many others,

with our sisters, daughters, mothers

to a protest, all newcomers,

so astounding in our numbers!

Yet I’ve been reading and reflecting

on things I hadn’t been suspecting

that folks around me are suggesting:

with our whiteness we’re suppressing

many voices with our choices,

our advantage, and exemption

to injustice in our favor,

which has slipped past our attention.

I’ve come to see with clarity

immeasurable disparity

bolstered by the systems

that brought middle class prosperity.

The ones to blame, my people,

escaped their crimes with full impunity.

Others suffered from their actions,

but it bought me white immunity.

This doesn’t mean I do not suffer

disadvantage as a woman,

nor should it cut me from the movement,

seen as a demon on a cushion.

But it demands responsibility,

to share a greater load,

revamp advantage into action

helping others down this road.

And yet it’s only now I realize

my life is truly cushy

when the thing that riles me up the most

is just this president and p*ssy!

‘Cause if I’m just a weekend ally,

not a go-for-broke accomplice,

I ignore the greater outcry,

and there’s little I accomplish.

Do we dismiss as unimportant

or as angry, bitter chatter

when fellow humans, in a torrent

just want to say that their lives matter?

Do we hijack other cultures

hemming in their visibility

while swooping in like pink-eared vultures

ignoring those with disability?

Can folks without a vulva

still be welcomed as a sister?

And can we find a place to fit

all forms of faith into the picture,

and manage inclusivity

in talk of sexuality,

give the poor a better portion

and just maybe, listen more to nuanced views on, yes, abortion?

May new knowledge of my privilege

guide the language in this message

and give folks like me the courage

to assess the real damage

of our ignorance and arrogance,

injurious indifference,

and every shameful tolerance

of every hurtful utterance

of words that seek to silence

or condone ongoing violence.

May we seek wise words and guidance,

consider fully our alliance,

and then stand as one together, f

acing off each one’s oppressor,

with humility, much better, bring justice, equal rights forever.