I felt WEARY as we walked into the beautiful building. So many trips up to the state capitol, trying to put our own STAMP on the laws of the land. You and i reminisce about the time, many years ago when we walked in, an army of mostly moms, babies, toddlers, midwives. It was our training ground, where we started learning how to navigate the halls of power. And now, 20+ years later, I COACH a younger generation (some young in years, some in experience), as we were coached before. My weariness begins to lift, we are energizing each other with our clear united purpose. We do not judge the decision makers (no obligation to name a fraudester or a QUACK). We recognize that any one of them is a potential ally or champion. We stand together – BLACK, white, young, old, across class and education – a new army of ordinary citizens. It is a joy to see the faces light up, as the newcomers realize there is no special KNACK required to navigate the halls of power, no brilliance needed. We bring honest representation of our own lives; we speak to the consequences of decisions made behind closed doors. And light – we shine so much light into the dark corners of this building! We are truly stronger and more powerful together.

Georg’ann

How sad he’d be to know

Intern arrives with a winter BEARD.
From under a cap coarse curls escape.
He wears a plaid flannel shirt.

These three things form
a disquieting CHAIN of associations
to someone else, throw me off.

Distracted by feelings I do not want.
SCANT dose of dormant poison
activated.
Past has a KNACK for surprise arrivals.

Heather