home/song/hope

i can’t

lose hope

when my kid

still marvels

at leaves

on a sidewalk.

i can’t

lose hope

when my daughter

still smells

the flowers

grown through cracks.

i can’t

lose hope

when my love

hopes, though

white men

legislate against her.

i can’t

lose hope

when Gaza’s babies

still dance

on camera

without a home.

i can’t

lose hope

when my friend

sings while

her government

kills trans women.

i can’t

lose hope

when our future

deserves leaves,

flowers, rights,

homes, and songs.