Let's unshackle each other!

Anyone who thinks that it is only the slaves who lived in the chains is wrong! So many of us are in invisible shackles today, bound by hatred, racism, implicit biases, fears, jealousy and all kinds of other unnecessary negative feelings and emotions. Just like a pig feels happy in the swamp, we seem to be okay living with this filth! Some of us occasionally come out, take a bath and stay clean for some days and then go back to our inner rubbish and some have become very comfortable in the mire of hatred! It's time to stop complaining against the poor, whining about sharing with the single mom with two children seeking refuge at the border, suspecting a group of children standing in the corner and hating the white man just because he reminds of generations of oppression! Brothers and sisters, it is time to  break-free of bitterness and resentment and embrace forgiveness and love! Yes, some times it is very hard to forgive, especially when there is injustice and structural oppression! However, we have the capacity to claim justice by focusing on achieving the desired success and lifting each other in the process.  Resentment and anger binds us, focusing on the future in forgiveness frees us! It is time to break the chains! 

Freedom all around us,

But are we truly free?

Bound in the unseen chains,

We seem to be happy n'glee!

Wake up, humanity,

Unshackle each other,

One is chained by hatred,

Another one by fear!

Why do you disown your sister,

Is it because of her color?

Who do you fool, my brother,

Didn't she come from the same creator?

No, this was not the way,

Equality is the only reality,

Open your eyes, my beloved,

Unity will lead to true liberty!

Come, taste the freedom love brings,

Feel the breeze of forgiveness,

Promenade in the path of sharing,

Oh, dance to the tune of oneness! 

The creator laments the abhorrence,

No religious act is greater than love,

Remember where we came from,

And the way to our home above!

Time to wake up,

Time to be free,

Time to relearn humanity,

Time to unchain you and me!

To you, Tat!

This poem is for a powerful woman in Louisiana. Her name is Arizola Spears and she is 92 years old. Throughout her life she always fought for civil rights and the right to vote for all. She had contracted COVID-19 a few weeks ago. But you know what, not only she conquered the virus, she went ahead and voted in these very important presidential elections in the United States. If she, at 92 after surviving corona virus, is not tired, how can we? Her grit and grace inspires all around her and everyone that hears of her and what she has achieved! 

Mrs. Arizola Spears

I hardly know you,

And we have never met

Yet you inspire every bit of my being,

Ever beautiful, Tat!

I had heard of your strength,

Your sophisticated style,

Your hard earned stature in the society,

And even in the storms, that resilient smile!

I am in awe as I learn,

the depth of your strength,

the grandeur of your style,

Your endurance and its length!

Not even COVID-19 could stop you,

You conquered the virus with elegance,

And cast your vote at 92 years,

To defeat the systemic arrogance! 

Know your daughters and granddaughters

and even strangers like me,

Are invigorated and awakened,

By your words, actions, and energy!

Thank you, Tat!

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