a special birthday this week
Dr. King was a king
but he did not rule
he created a new reality
that we all must
still work to fulfill
a dream
where I don’t use
an economic system
to take from you
rather I live, work and
create with you
where we don’t use
skin tone
to dehumanize, harm or hurt
rather we learn about
each other
leverage our differences
for more understanding
and belonging
to find the cure
for our collective longing
where those of us with
great advantages
don’t shy away from
looking at ourselves
and the systems
that give us preference
and privilege
rather we fully embrace
all of ourselves
but are willing to
make sacrifices
to fully reconcile and repair
a nation that has yet to
fulfill a promise
of common humanity, decency and
the chance to prosper
we absolutely have it in us
to keep going
to keep our eyes open
and continue
our individual and collective
healing journey
so the love in our souls
comes alive
and recognizes
I can never be free
until you are free
because when I oppress you
I also oppress me
we must move past
the fear and forces of
separation and segregation
because they will always
try to divide
we will persevere
allowing hope to provide
the courage and character
to talk and listen
listen and hear
hear and see
see and then be
a culture of we
there was a man
who was a king
but he is more than that
because everyday
not just on his birthday
he speaks
to the soul
in me