Looking to Evolve

Let me root out those little flaws
Tear from character my bias
I fear

Am I a racist in my core?
Has this poison weed grown in me?
Grow fear

I pull it out and till the soil
Plant brotherhood and compassion
Sow fear

Tenacious root burrows deeply
Chokes new growth that I have planted
For fear

Primal fear of unknown peoples
Open both my mind and my heart
More fear

I own my ignorance and change
See the truth of privileged living
This fear

Learn the history not written
I see the lies perpetrated
Less fear

Stand up and let my voice be heard
Vote for justice, Black Lives Matter
No fear

This is a poetry form created by Deb Gundy called Synchronicity. It is composed of 8 stanzas of 3 lines each with a syllable count of 8/8/2 and it has no rhyme.

It has been over a month since the first protests and in my little town things have quieted. In nearby Chicago the threat of federal intervention has thrown more fuel on the fire. I am appalled by the heavy handed tactics of the present administration. I understand the anger and the the violence even if I do not condone the rioting. I have seen the progress that detente can achieve. There are some who would stress that detente only works when one is in a position of power. That is exactly what we have – one side has all the power and the other side is using the means necessary to be heard. It is known that to achieve a societal change there must be a pain point. This administration is escalating tensions to reach a point where one of two things will happen – 1. The US slides into a police state where white males will control the actions of minorities, women, and any who they deem a threat to the status quo. 2. We will have change that re-balances society. That reform will provide legislative, judicial, educational and economic protections for all Americans (with a clear and logical path to citizenship). No one should be complacent. It will take some time before everyone has had the opportunity to do a little self education. Some will read (I have), some will have conversations among family and friends (I have), others will listen to the news or other pundits (I did too). The real test is to come to a consensus on what steps need to be taken to right the imbalance of power. Will it start with economics policies? Changes in policing? Political representation? A change of heart or mind or resolve? Probably all of the above. But first it will necessitate a change in the leadership of this nation. There is power at the ballot box. Let’s exercise it!

I love to be in control. That is why I so very much dislike amusement rides and why I don’t drink or take drugs. I’m a planner and a list maker. Yet this problem of racism is beyond my scope to change on a national level. The only person I can change is me. I’m not sure how many little weeds of racism I may have growing in me. The process of weeding them out may take some time. It reminds me of a summer when my best friend Anita and I spent nearly every day for a week combing through the grass looking for 4 leaf clovers. That is what it is – a fine examination of motivations, emotions, decisions, and preferences. This could take awhile. But the thing is, I like completion almost as much as control. I am tenacious and patient and I’ve got a lot of time on my hands because of COVID….