What About Us?
Written for the "Lost-ish" Challenge
Here is the info about this unofficial challenge.
I am longing for the days of the past
Where the love shared between two people, regardless of sex
Was accepted and celebrated.
Where women had rights to govern their own bodies as they saw fit
Where immigrants had a chance at a better life.
Then on one night in November
It all changed.
An evil, conniving, ignorant racist
Was elevated to the position of king.
We were lost.
Lost in a nation that does not accept us,
And wants to erase us from existence.
Women. Black people. Brown people. Gay people. Trans people. Immigrants. Disabled people. Poor people.
All of the sudden, we were all lost.
Lost to the rights once extended to all people,
The system now favors white, straight, wealthy “Christian” men.
What about us?
The land of the free has become the land of the oppressed.
The land of opportunity became the land where money rules-if you have it.
The land of the American Dream is now the land of unreachable dreams.
We have the obligation, as story tellers
To write about this regime.
To write about injustice.
To document history as it unfolds.
We cannot, and I will not stay silent.
My sincere hope is that the lost become found again.
Until then-
What about us?
Thank you for reading my work! I appreciate every read, like and comment. If you would like to read more of my work, click here:
About the Creator
J. Delaney-Howe
Bipolar poet. Father. Grandfather. Husband. Gay man. I write poetry, prose, some fiction and a good bit about family. Thank you for stopping by.
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Violence Begets
"Any last words, cowboy?" "None you'd understand, sodbuster." "Funny. That's Marshall Sodbuster to you. But I meant some last nugget that would help us in the adjudication of the myriad offenses counted against you and your gang. I wasn't asking for penitence."
By Adam Diehl4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (39)
Raw, moving, and so deeply necessary. Thank you so much for making clear the call of story-tellers to speak up about every single atrocity unfolding around us. And "What about us" is such a perfect, concise question to build the whole work around; I am honored that you would submit an entry to my challenge which puts a spotlight on the experience of everyone under threat right now, and so glad that this got a Top Story. Brilliant entry and well-deserved recognition, J.!
Freaking excited as hell you hit the Leaderboard with this incredible poignant story! ⚡💙⚡
Written for the "Lost-ish" Challenge ,Very well written
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations Well said
This was an impressive piece of writing. It's unfortunate that it revealed how some people we considered smart have jumped on the orange fools bandwagon. My father served in the war during the 50s and faced significant emotional struggles. When he returned, he received little to no assistance from the government, which ultimately led to his tragic suicide. Sadly, not much has changed today; veterans still lack support, and we are gradually losing ground on issues we once conquered. Your story hit the mark. You, I, and everyone who shares our views not going anywhere! This is our country and together, we will ultimately succeed in dismantling this racist Nazi regime! Keep up the great work, my brother!
Very well written!
Men,I've just joined so I'm happy
excellent work, its so difficult to put into words the feeling of having your country fall to pieces. You did it justice. -r
Propaganda is one hell of a concept.
Well-deserved and well written Top Story in the poetry community. Sentiments felt by many!
A definite catharsis for you! Top story congrats!
Keep your voice heard Jim!!
It's a compelling call to action for storytellers to document and speak out against injustice. Your words resonate deeply and highlight the importance of advocating for the rights of all people.
Well deserved top story, Jim! You articulate what so many of us are feeling.
Congrats you got top Story. 🏆
Very insightful on where we are heading if no one takes a stand. Vote for the right people in office, even if it's not a presidential election year. It makes a difference.
Congratulations on your top story! Our voices will be loud and clear and will be heard in future! Outstandingly written!
⚡💙⚡
We can make our voices loud! Great job.
Congratulations on a well-deserved top story, Jim. These are powerful words.
Congrats on the well deserved top story, Jim <3
Very moving!!
Well said. Such a great top story.
Well-said! Definitely deserving of top story!