—On the occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, 2016
Though I may never agree
with your version of tyranny
or property rights or gun ownership
as a means for public safety
and you may never accept
my views on salmon’s
and wolves’ right of return
or marriage equality
clean water we both understand
as a resource easily lost
without a will to work
together, right?
No one wants to live
in Flint right now
and no one wants another death,
another son or father to bury—
no more snow
spattered with blood,
no more video footage
replaying surrender
or suicide, replaying
the moment a deeper
chasm divides. Hate
decides.
Come. The weather’s turning
warmer. I know a place
far from the echo chambers
I think we’ll both enjoy.
Listen—the wild cranes
are headed there now.
