Unbelievable

Unbelievable.

The word ringing around me

in clouds of echoes

loudly

proudly

but how can we be so proud

of that which tears us apart

of that which causes us to scorn one another

in scathing testimonials

of our own moral superiority

how can we break out

in defiance

while alienating those

who most need

our guidance

I too ache at the thought

of what has been done

the people cast aside

trod down

turned back

I too mourn the fall of kind and respectful discussion

into brash accusations

and bombastic claims

I too feel

in my body

a little less safe

And I too want to pull

those I trust and love

closer

But can we move forward

can we grow together and grow stronger

by only hearing voices that chorus

in agreement

with our own

I think not

And that is why

every time the word 'unbelievable'

climbs from the recesses of my mind

born of my distrust

and fear

and pain

and sadness,

threatening to spill

from my angered lips

I bite it back

and painstakingly dismantle

the words

I know

are born

out of

hatred

his hatred

and not

my love