We are actually much deeper
than the stories about ourselves,
the tragic, unanchored drifting,
vertiginous sense of not knowing,
of having no basis for deep compassion
and decisive action.
We are not those shallow people
who accumulate stuff
and blame others
for the lack of joy in our lives.
This is who we are:
Grounded in truth. Formidable.
Able to demand fairness for all,
able to protect the sovereignty and dignity
of every living thing.
Able to say no to the growing, rolling
ball of lies that tries to drag us under,
Able to stand as strong
as any long-oppressed survivor,
able to see love win.
©Wendy Mulhern
September 3, 2013