When hatred and retribution

are the order of the day,

out front my lilies bloom

in red, orange, yellow, and peach.

When university presidents are

pushed out for what they believe,

my dog’s fur remains soft

and her ears ever so silky.

When people yearning for

a better life are arrested,

my air conditioner keeps us

cool on a 100+ degree day.

While people are dying in

Gaza, Iran, Israel, and Ukraine,

I see turtles sunning themselves 

at the edge of the pond.

When past presidents

are called “stupid,”

children are laughing and

playing around the world.

When vaccines are deemed

unnecessary and harmful,

doctors and nurses continue

to speak up for their efficacy.

When sycophants bow down

to a bully of a leader,

People peacefully protest

at “No Kings” rallies.

At this distressing time

in our history, we must

hold on to hope and beauty,

and speak truth to power.