We do not speak of hardships
For the sake of pity.
We do not point out inequality
Because we are hoping for handouts.
We do not cry about painful things
Because we are weak.
No. We are looking dead on
At what’s wrong in the world,
Coming to terms with the brutal facts
Of our situation.
Life.
And then,
With a decent understanding of what’s at stake
And perhaps only an inkling of what it will take to make change,
Decide to hope nonetheless.