We don’t get to engage in violent language and exclusion[1]
the California poppies say
be soft
yet unbreakable
be willing to let
yourself dance in the wind
even as you stay
rooted to the earth
be steadfast but not static
or stoic – let your fire
shine and commune
with others who practice
fearless compassion
who are willing to ruffle
their petals asserting
their freedom
to grow where one is called to grow
where the soil and sun and rain are abundant
enough for your needs where others
who are yellow and gold and variegated
like-minded and like-hearted
thrive and shout out
praise to the mother
earth and sky who give
all we need to bloom.
[1] From Rev. S. Peralta’s Sunday Sermon on April 14, 2019 at North Hollywood FUMC
Lisa Eve Cheby, a librarian, poet, and daughter of immigrants, holds an MFA from Antioch and an MLIS from SJSU. Her poems and reviews have appeared in various journals and anthologies, including Drawn to Marvel, Coiled Serpent, and Accolades. She was a SAFTA Writer in Residence and an artist in residence at Dorland Mountain Arts. Her chapbook, Love Lessons from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Dancing Girl Press) was featured in The Wardrobe’s Best Dressed Series. Her second chapbook will be released by Dancing Girl Press in Fall 2021. http://lisacheby.wordpress.com