Writing for Freedom, Dignity, and Compassionate Community

Of course, my first reaction the day after the election was to run away to Canada, but then I got fighting mad.  I'm not one just to kick and scream, however, so I began to think of ways that we can help others to see the need for protecting the rights of all people.  ALL!  Two ideas hit me--one is the importance of teaching children to think and to care; the other is to speak  and speak and speak again. As an introvert, I have a tendency to be quiet, to feel deeply, but not let others know how I feel. So it seemed to me most appropriate to do what I do best--to speak by writing. 

I am going to attempt to speak about human freedom, dignity and compassionate community on this blog every day through a poem, a photo, an artwork, an essay or . . . ?     Forgive me if I miss a few days--life gets awfully busy sometimes.

Here is my first conversation, written today, Wednesday, November 9, 2016


The First Day After America Gave Her Soul Away

Today, I pull my lumpy pillow over my head and try to return to forgetful slumber.
No amount of sleepiness can erase the fact that I have things to do.
The dogs need the backyard and I need to face this morning.

My gray dread is reflected in the belligerent, cloudy skies
Who have commanded that no ray of sunlight be allowed to appear today.
The universe and I mourn together.
We are again at the precipice of human transition.
Like times I lived as a child--the loss of John and Bobby and Martin.
Did they die so that slavery could once again be named "benevolent"?
So that the Lady of freedom could refuse to take the weary and troubled?
So that a woman's dignity can be purchased or slashed by the wealthy?

And how many lives will die to dreams of freedom and equality and never know
that at least half of us care?

This is the day to wake up from silent dreams of utopia.  The day to speak loudly.
To hold hands, lean on each other's backs, and refuse to go back to sleep.

by, Terri Vaughn