We Must Not Fear the Angry Anthems

I do not live in fear for my life, my son, my wife, my mother, or brother.

I do not feel the violent assault, the insult of bellicose abuse because I am white.

I have not walked intolerable miles in the shoes of our black, gay, Latin, lesbian, Muslim, and transgendered brothers and sisters.

But they have.

My heart knows I can not bear to wake up knowing I did not get up, stand up, and fight fearful oppression knocking at the door.

I will not live in fear of a future filled with hatred, anger, and intolerance, where angry fearful men rest their boots on the backs of the broken.

Fear must not prevent action, offering protection or caring words as voices vanish in the thunder – loud, angry, and fearful.

We must not fear the angry anthems, or even fearful fists, of those who distrust diverse opinion, people, and culture.

Fear cannot prevent us from standing with the struggling, standing for equality and freedom.

My ancestors wore those shoes and for that, I am American; I do not fear standing against hate or evil walking among us.