After the Election

If my rights might be slashed
if i listen to hate spill like spittle
against people whose skin color
doesn't match a white hue, or whose
worship style doesn't fit their pulpit,
if i hear words that sting flung
out at a woman wearing a head scarf,
if i hear mocking when a boy says
he's really a girl, or a girl says
she's always felt as if she's a boy,
if i watch and see graffiti with
hate symbols or listen to chants
that demean-- i won't keep walking
i'll write another set of words

i'll not stand looking down at my feet