a space for all
Where we come to be heard.
Where we can all feel at home.
A space not just for you and me,
A space for them and we.
A place where differences exist,
Though there is no boundary to assist.
Holding onto a love that was never given,
In the midst of a love that was never received.
In a space radicalized so much,
Is it really too radical to touch?
In a space radicalized so much,
Is it really too radical to touch?
It’s building a place to give and take.
To unlearn and learn.
Where you may develop discomfort,
Sink into that my dear.
The fears so rooted in our existence,
So normalized and automated in our world -
The very time I thought I was lost,
My dungeon shook and my chains fell off.*
*The ending above is based out of James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. Baldwin, in the beginning of the book, completed an 8 page essay, My Dungeon Shook, to his nephew on the 100 year anniversary on the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) bringing to the forefront the realities of being black in America. The essay was not promising, yet hopeful. Beginning and ending it as Baldwin did, was what it was. That is…the truth of coming of age while black.
While this piece is not about that experience, it is based on my experience as a white person and existing in the white community. It moves through how automated we can be existing in - and fearful to lose - such an identity, how lines of generational identities persist, and how radicalized some can make it seem to be open to other’s worlds and share love and support to those who don’t look or think like you. We as white people…in case you did not know…are allowed (woot woot!!) to be “radical” and fight for the freedom and equity for others. We can shake off the chains attached to our identity and privilege, and not be so quick to live in a bubble by the beach. This is not to say you can’t enjoy the beach! But understand the powers and privileges you hold having the identity you do, be aware of how you move through the space you take up (you take up space, we all do, okay?), and bring some of these thoughts to your friends, families, and neighbors. Yes!
