06 Dec Poetry to Stop the Hate: ‘soon come’

A Richmond poet envisions a time in which “hugs will be scripture.” (Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash) 

By Donté Clark

when we no longer
back bite or treat our tongues
like lynch ropes, or guns

keep ears from the cries,
’nd wipe the salt from side eyes
we give dear brothers

sure health will spring forth
restoring withered hands, feet,
’nd blind hearts seeking

the narrow pathway
to healing place is impressed
between the ribcage

our front pockets
kitchen tables ’nd closets
will end poverty

hugs will be scripture
’nd our shoulders will free
itself from long nights

chasing after smoke
’nd political fires
soon to be quenched, cooled

we vote by sharing
spending more time on laughter
’nd nothing on bombs

then we’d be the sun
rising ’nd setting in love
moved to stop the hate

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.