This uncivil war
by Elouise
Up and down
All over the map
Ecstatic one moment
Discouraged the next
Willing myself
To get up in the morning
And begin yet again
So many opportunities
So little time
So little access
To things I think I need
How will it all turn out?
Does it really matter?
Is my small loaf without fish
Enough for today?
A million questions
Race through my mind
As life falls apart
And trash piles up
Just outside my
Window on the world
Deep inside I know
Only a brutal housecleaning
Will tame this deadly nightmare
Of consequences we now
Live to regret
One day at a time
Is the American Dream dead? Can we survive this uncivil war? Actually, we’ve been fighting it from the beginning. Today we can watch the latest episodes unfold right before our eyes, thanks to ever-present news media, and unnumbered sources of information and dis-information.
If you’ve visited my blog during the last several years, you know I’m not a fan of Mr. Trump. Tragically, what we see today is in keeping with everything we already knew about him.
Yet in the middle of it all, there are opportunities for people of good will to work together on issues that have scarred our hearts and souls from the beginning. The evidence is clear. White citizens like you and like me disenfranchised and brutally murdered American Indians, exploited and terrorized slaves night and day, and serially mistreated every ethnic minority that has set foot in this country willingly or unwillingly.
Surely we can come up with another way of going at this. One day at a time. One risk at a time. Pondering our next moves. Not alone, but with others hungry for change. Giving up something of value in order to receive something much better.
After all, white people and their black and brown neighbors also have a history of resisting evil. Even in the most tragic circumstances. What might we learn from and with each other?
Praying for courage to change the things I can. No more and no less.
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 25 September 2020
Azar Nafisi quote found at http://www.idlehearts.com
Telling the Truth 
I encourage everyone to take every opportunity to converse about race. Every conversation offers something to learn. You don’t need to agree with someone to learn from them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this good word, Marilyn. I miss talking with you.
LikeLike
Oh, Elouise, I’m finding it harder and harder to keep the hope of change. I’m so disheartened by all the corruption. A push to replace RBG in order for Trump to get another term because he will contest the election and send it to the Supreme Court. But I will vote and will encourage as many others to vote as I can. I will contribute money to organizations who work to make voting fair. I will be out on the streets marching if it comes down to that to make every vote count. And I will pray. Nevertheless, right now things look bleak. ~Natalie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Natalie. I’m guessing your comment reflects the thoughts and feelings of many people. It certainly rings true for me, even if Biden wins. Your list of what you will do in the meantime is superb. I don’t believe in going out with a whimper. Then again (some would say, correctly), It ain’t over ’til it’s over! And yes, “bleak” is just the right word. Thanks so much for the comment.
Elouise
LikeLiked by 1 person