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Acceptance and Change

“I have stopped accepting the things I cannot change. I will change the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis

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Barack Obama has reached the end of his term in office and I can’t change that. The past 8 years have be a glorious ride with a great American and I am pleased he shared it and his family with us.

You should feel this way too, but you may not because of your “politics”. What we call politics often gets in the way of better judgement just as emotions sometimes affect our ability to make clear, level-headed decisions.

We don’t think “what’s best for the country” when we begin arguments. We think “What’s best for me” even though that’s not what we are saying. Life goes on. Consider what type of life will go on for you and ultimately all of us.

The word “Fake” and “News” shouldn’t be used in the same sentence. We shouldn’t need an army of fact checkers to watch a debate or the nightly news. We shouldn’t have to argue about whether we are watching a news program or some new sort of Reality TV. But that’s what America has come to.

We continue to deny people the ability to earn a living and take care of their families because of the color of their skin, gender, personal preferences or the protests they make. We don’t deny there are injustices but we deny their right to livelihood because of how they said it. We have sold our selves to ratings over reason.

You decide whether the next four years will be Dark or Light. You should decide before it’s too late and begin to work toward the change you want to see. I sent my name to Obama.org and, when they come up for air, I hope they start a chapter in New York. If and when they do, I’m there!

czvasser Morning Coffee

Yesterday, on a naked pillow, I wrote, “This could have been you”, signed it and covered it with a clean cotton pillowcase.

Last night, I slept better than I have in a long time.

czvasser Fried Chicken

We Held Hands

On the back of a graduation picture
A thousand words
suggested more than suspected
invitations and challenges confused
a journey begun ending
with the words your friend

I’ve kept the photo
for no understanding
a practical woman my sister
had said you’ll need someone
long before reading your voice

Was it me or you who called
when I drew the curtains
offered incense
just time to brush my teeth
before making out
on a plastic covered couch
neither of us heard the key

Mom went to her room
took off tired shoes
called me and said
get that out my house
I said she’s a woman
I never told you that
when I told you to go
I should have told you that

II

We held hands and watched Carson
your leg over mine
talking drinking vodka and orange juice
waiting for your folks to fall asleep
when my hand would find
the small of your back
the inside of your thigh.

I guess your mama knew
your daddy told
or kept secrets
I expected him to beat me
for loving you
Did your momma say ritual things
sing songs of womanhood
scar you.

Your smile made music
and I wrapped myself in it
as often as I could.

III

Propped on an elbow
I watched you breathe
my hand traced your breasts
smiling on my back
I watched the ceiling
as if it were the sky

finished my drink and showered hoping
you would wake
find me clean
next to you

The doorbell rang at dawn
and I embarrassed
mumbled some excuse I went
nowhere but left

He enjoyed the telling
and described you better than I could
I remember turning volcanic
until he said I wish

I painted watercolors
and didn’t know art
until I watched you walk.