I need to rebuild strength before I fight
because the last long struggle took my all.
My father fought against the fascist right.
Two ancestors helped bring about the fall
of slavery and white supremacy—
one lost an arm, one was imprisoned twice.
They nearly died so strangers could live free,
and now the stakes are worth far greater price—
the fate of every creature on this earth,
the fate of billions whom the few oppress.
What is this loveliest of planets worth,
its lives and loves beyond count we can guess?
As soon as I can rise from my sickbed
I’ll fight the side of death until I’m dead.

2/17/25