Ode to Those Who Taught Me Justice

Daily Poems for Poetry Month

They were curious.
They asked  good questions.
Their friends came in and
Out like a river flowing,

Shimmering leaves, dark shadows,
Cool eddies, burbles and shouts.
Listening was a deep current -- 
Walking was meditation and 

A march. Strangers never were
Strange, nor were they a 
Puzzle to solve. Life unfolded
In seasons, seasons unfolded

Morning nap and night -- 
In the breath of Nature's
Glorious gifts. Lifting a worm
To safety after a rainstorm,

Listening to sewer drain waters 
Rush to the Sound.
I could tie my shoe one day
And then I could write a

Letters too, imploring for 
Food for the hungry, demanding 
Less guns, pleading to 
Put the bombs away.

First they carried me, 
Then they held my hand
So that one day I could
Walk on my own.

—

For Debbie P. who wrote that her parents lived their values of social justice and made them an active part of her upbringing. Thanks for inspiring this poem during National Poetry Month!

Equity. Equality. Justice.
Respect for everyone regardless of race, creed, religion or economic status.