Pippi Brush

For the young woman who spoke out in Charlottesville,
January 15th, 2003

War, she says,

means people everywhere

will have to

face their fears.


Mine, she says,

her voice held steady,

are so small

that I will face them now

and be done with it.


And beyond the mike,

the cheers of the crowd

rise to greet her

and hold her safe.


I will speak out, she says,

because I can no longer

stay silent,

because I can no longer

let this happen

in my name,


because I want

those I am told are

my enemies

to eat, not to die.


© Pippa Brush - Uk-Usa