I’ve been looking all week for words to express what I’ve felt since November 2nd. I came across this poem by Langston Hughes—a black, gay poet—that prety much says it all.
Democracy
by Langston HughesDemocracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.
This is one I want to commit to memory.
Via Shaula Evans of tsuredzuregusa.
I love this poem, too, and was so excited when, early in the campaign, the Kerry camp said it would use it as its theme. Well, I heard a faint strain now and then, but if they’d used it more they’d have stirred more souls . . .
I guess I don’t get what y’all see in the poem. Is he not writing about ‘Democracy?’ Haven’t we had enough of THAT this week? What we need, and always have, is sturdy appreciation of Liberty, and the amendments to the constitution that empower liberty.
We’ve got your back, T. There’s no where to run that’s far enough so that your little guy won’t feel the effects of the NeoCons in his generation (otherwise, I would run, too). So, bless you for the years and years of work you’ve already done, and we keep taking the fight to them, so there’s still break and freedom for your son’s generation–but we fight for it today.
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