“We Didn’t March” by Rae Cobbs

181 Replies

On Friday’s post, our minister is posed
behind the musical director’s seat;
her sturdy leg is balancing their weight.
A line of motorcycles parked behind,
they wear wide, eager grins: the Pride parade.
For us, they demonstrate the worth of every
human and we’ve missed it once again,
caught up in writing, reading, spending time
as if it lasts. It’s true, my energy
is thin by noon, so cautious souls, our bravery
gone, we don’t dress up and go. Our chance
to help the cause ignored, we only joined
in fantasy, saluting our intent.
If you don’t fight, become the enemy,
whose ignorance allows negation of
our right to be just equal to, no more,
no less. Where did our courage go? Revolt
can take the wind out of your sails: I guess
we’re old, not bold, but I still want them both.
Our sisters, brothers—all who can respond—
the timid, worn old bitches play a role:
examples of the need to fight, unite,
and win for everybody’s better side.
Our Pride parade is one iambic step
after the next: next year, next year, or now.

-Rae Cobbs

181 thoughts on ““We Didn’t March” by Rae Cobbs”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *