Black Lives Matter: Link Love

"The calmest man in Charlotte" Photo: Matthew Teague

This was a hard week. All open-hearted citizens of the world are grieving for two three more fallen black men, grieving for communities ripped apart by violence and distrust of authority. Again. 

When I'm grieving, I turn to poetry. I've found form for my sadness in these words by the talented Danez Smith, so I'll leave them here for you.

And finally, you — You matter. Your life matters to this community.

---

From "summer, somewhere" by Danez Smith

no need for geography

now that we’re safe everywhere.

point to whatever you please

& call it church, home, or sweet love.

paradise is a world where everything

is a sanctuary & nothing is a gun. 

here, if it grows it knows its place

in history. yesterday, a poplar 

told me of old forest

heavy with fruits I’d call uncle

bursting red pulp & set afire, 

harvest of dark wind chimes. 

after I fell from its limb

it kissed sap into my wound.

do you know what it’s like to live

someplace that loves you back?

---

9/23/16 Link Love

The most powerful thing you can do? Listen. 

Quoting the great Audre Lorde: "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it's self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." Loving yourself is always radical. Even activists practice self-care.

Not sure how to start? Maybe it just feels too self-indulgent right now? Maybe start with a cup of coffee. 

And, 16 Ways 2016 Is Not a Total Dumpster Fire. Even when it seems like it must be.