Grievances
Madeline McGrain Githler

Today,
America,
I grieve.

I, your daughters and sons,
I, who you vowed to honor and protect.
I, who is pursuing happiness,
I, who long to be heard.

Surely you worry for us all, yes,
But her too?
Do you fear as much
As they do?

Yesterday,
America,
I do not mourn.

Yesterday the rains were coming.
Today it pours.
Each passing day promises clarity,
But it has yet to come.

A father once said:
“The government you elect
Is the government you deserve.”
So, must we hold this truth to be self-evident?

The only thing we hold now is our breath.