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Sep 21
poem, song challenge: RBG
Mercury

A beacon of light

Ruth, I'm sorry.

Ruth, you meant so much.  

Ruth, your words touch on things so sensitive so real and now that you're gone, I don't know how to feel. 
On one hand, we all have to say goodbye one day but why today? We need you. 
For on the other hand we haven't finished the work you started but how to start? 
You're a general commanding fleets of equality and hope but my hope's starting to deplete.
Ruth, you've raised a mighty movement, a snarling butterfly of anger and denial and demands so long denied but
Ruth, we can't do what you can! 
No, could; that's death, a shift. Can to could. 
Ruth, would you show us a way to do the good that you did, now that you're gone?
We'll learn to live without you, but I don't want to move on. 
Fragility is everywhere, and yet it's taboo. 
I don't know how to be strong without you.

The president is squabbling, disregarding your wishes and
Ruth, I really wish November 3rd was here. 

RBG, like red, blue, and green
for a while, you were guiding what we could see
pushing colors into dark places and exposing the hurt and the pain that so many were feeling.
No, are; that is today, that is now. A place of anger and denial held aloft with hope.
And I hope
that somehow, I can help lead people on into an era of respect and truth and 
I know it sounds like a form of idealistic propaganda, but I hope we can prosper.

You were so important,
a beacon of light in a storm.
Many, many storms. 
No, you are. That is a legacy, remaining strong and standing tall even where you're gone. 
For we shall carry your messages and your movements 
as long as we live. 

Ruth, I'm sorry. 
Ruth, you mean so much. 

Thank you.
 
  • Mercury's blog
  • Sprout
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Posted: 09.21.20
About the Author: Mercury
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Discussion

Comments

  1. moonsand
    Sep 21, 2020

    I cried, when I read this. It is so true and it really touched me. Rest In Peace and Power, Ruth.

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  1. Mercury
    Sep 22, 2020

    I'm sorry it made you cry, but I'm glad it's moving!

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  1. TreePupWriter
    Sep 22, 2020

    thank you. that was amazing and heartfelt and strong and I really loved it. I love the repetition of using "Ruth," as a starting for a lot of the lines. thanks for bringing light to RBG and her legacy.

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  1. Mercury
    Sep 23, 2020

    Thanks and you're welcome!
    She was such an amazing woman.

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YWP is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists. We're based in Burlington, VT, and we welcome young creators from anywhere!
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Contact: Susan Reid, Executive Director: [email protected]; (802) 324-9538