If You Sell Love to Haters, Don’t Ask Why No One Is Buying

To those who make their homes beneath rocks

I offer this poetic plea

Regarding demonstrations by civilians and jocks

With the hopes you will listen to me.

Yes, it’s important all people are equals

And treated with love and respect.

Yes, there’s been push-back, misinterpretation,

But, frankly, what did you expect?

The symbols with which you display your ideals

May change some opinions for sure;

If I spit on a puppy and say “Yay world peace!”

You might doubt my intentions are pure.

Likewise if you stand for freedom and justice

By kneeling in front of a flag,

By fleeing from songs about love for our nation

Some people will think you’re a drag.

If instead when the anthem is sung by our siblings

And you stand to honor our banner

Those who disparage your reason for protest

No longer disparage its manner.

And after you’ve captured the ear of your rivals

You show them the point you want made

You swapped some derision for some indecision

And that is a valuable trade.

To those who were hateful and know are uncertain

You do not decry them as bad

But make your point clear and then disappear.

Don’t be an unskippable ad!

Don’t show what’s troublesome, worrying, scary

By showing disdain for what’s good.

Instead show you’re with us, then raise our awareness

And maybe we’ll do as we should.

And if we keep not being how you would wish us,

Disrespect you, or call you a name,

Consider the best way to make the world better

Is simply to not do the same.

I don’t ask this often, but if you agree with my perspective, please share this poem.

Share it with those who think as you do, because they’ll likely enjoy it too.

Share it with those with whom you disagree, for that is the path to the change we must see.

Share it with those who will argue and fight. You may not kill darkness, but you can shine a light.

Share it with those with whom you would be one, for we share the same air, the same earth, the same sun.