Eleven dot five

Has my country given up on me?
Where is the firewall of justice and equity?
Am I invisible? Can you see my struggle?
Do you really think it’s my fault, or has racism become this subtle?
For me and my community, you want us to pretend like it’s a system of merit
You want to boast about blacks in office, blacks with wealth, as if that earns you credit
Those are blips and one-offs, the majority of us are living check to check
Red lines, segregated care and housing, under-funded schools what else would you expect
Now you vote him in, again, knowing what he will say and do
You expect me to not see this as a racist point of view
There are good people on both sides, is what you want me to believe
But your actions and policies do not deceive
They let me know just how you feel and what you value
It’s not me, or mine, it’s far more shallow
It’s not even what’s best for you, which you still don’t seem to see
Your success and self-interest are at risk just like me
You value the loot, the pot the profit and till
You want all that, plus my loyalty and my will
What do you need from me to help you understand?
What do I have to say or do for you to change your plan?
I can no longer carry the load of this nation state
I farmed your land, gave you my children and men, and raised your kids despite my hate
Where is the justice for me and communities of mine?
Do you even care or are should I expect justice to be blind?
My hope, my dream, my goals and my vision
Are of justice and equity for all god’s children
Not just for me and mine but you and yours too
I want justice for all, not just a few
We now have four more years with a struggle that is real
We must act to organize, register voters and make the appeal
To all who stayed home and the others who were fooled by the deal
Stand up, speak up protest and demand
That black lives matter, healthcare is a right, who I love is my choice and
My body my decision and our planet needs us to keep it alive.
We didn’t get it right on Eleven dot Five
But we have another shot on Eleven dot Seven in 4 more years
Rest up, reflect, and mobilize your peers
TO VOTE

From the author: I wrote this poem as I was processing the 2024 Presidential election. It reflects on my emotions, my insecurities and my hope for what comes next.

Michelle Sainté Willis - mother lover worker.