There is a stench in this town. It lingers in the air. The terrible stink of hate. On our clothes, in our hair. There is hostility growing wild. A vitriolic creed. It is popping up on lawns. An insidious, cancerous weed. There is cold-blooded cruelty here. It is colored pink and black. Displayed outside of homes, Child innocence attacked. There is rancor at our doorsteps. Suffocating our humanity. Spewing toxic poison clouds. Infecting our community. There is cowardice in our ranks. It hides behind our laws. Meant to shield our sacred people. From hate’s intolerant claws.

There is shame enough to share. When reluctance seals our mouths. And we look the other way. As hatefulness abounds. There is blame to go around. When we just pretend, There’s nothing we can do to help. This child we must defend. There is time to salvage what is right. To stand up for integrity. To vanquish hatred from our midst, And fight this crude brutality. There is strength and courage to be found, Together make our voices clear. Ask our neighbors to make room. To love all children here.

Brianna Rowley

Bow