Whose Land

 

-------Whose Land-------

 

You say that this is public land

but who is allowed 

to be here?

 

Before the gates

and ticket-takers,

the rules on posted signs,

 

This was not a sight 

to see and leave

but a place where people lived.

 

Laws 

can make up walls

around the commons

 

And when they do -

when they starve the Earth 

of human love -

 

They will 

and must 

be broken.

 

For there is medicine to be gathered.

The sea and forest abound 

with food.

 

But I will not ask 

of you 

permission.

 

All I ask

is that you ask

yourself

 

To remember

whose land

you are on.

 

-------

 

Moon River

------Moon River-------

On full nights 

I imagine

where the moon river 

might take me

If I were 

to be more humble

and surrender

to the wonder of the Sea.

-------

Anthem

-------Anthem-------

 

How can a country built on theft

of land and stolen labor

 

Continue to this day to claim

it is home 

of the brave and free?

 

There is a reckoning

in order

 

A time for love and reparation

to be that anthem 

of which we sing.

 

-------

Disarm

-------Disarm-------

What is it 

you protect 

and serve?

Whose order 

do you

keep?

For we can see 

beneath 

your armor,

Behind your badges 

and 

the game -

The white and rich

have got 

your favor,

Turned you 

on the Earth

and poor.

But please 

remember 

you are a person

Bone and blood

like the rest 

of us

Able to choose

and to

exchange

Your weapon

for your

humanity.

-------

An Ode to Abolition

-------An Ode to Abolition-------

It is not

so much

an absence

But a presence

for which

I dream.

For a world without violence,

without fear

or "other",

Can only be

if first 

there is intention

To love

in a revolutionary

way.

-------

Presence to Longing

-------Presence to Longing-------

If there is something

that you

are longing for

An absence held within

Be still 

for just 

a moment

And with your presence listen.

Paying attention

is an offering

of great affection

An acknowledgement to Life's abundance

And a gift

for both seer and 

the seen.

-------

Make Room

-------Make Room-------

Belonging 

does not come 

by occupation.

So please, 

white men, 

let go our claim 

upon this land

For there is no 

amount of power

that will heal the void 

of which we carry.

Only love 

can do 

that.

Let go, my brother,

and keep 

letting 

go

Until that song

the Earth is singing

has room enough

to move through you.

-------