Oak

the lines on my face,
like the wood grains of an oak,
show how I have grown.

Photo by FWStudio from Pexels

Before I give my resource on this post, I want to provide an update. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in the Philippines was signed into law earlier this month. This law has the potential to strip the right of freedom of speech from a million+ people. To my readers from all around the world, but especially in the Philippines, stay safe, even (or especially) online. Here is a resource with ideas of how to do so.

And, just to end on a bit of optimism, here are two recent human rights victories:

The case of Elijah McClain’s murder at the hands of law enforcement has been reopened by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis due, at least in part, to an online petition signed millions of times.

After years of protesting led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Dakota Access oil pipeline has been ordered to be shut down while a review takes place about its environmental safety. Such a review is necessary because the Army Corps of Engineers did not adequately consider the effects of potential pollution on the Missouri River (which would likely disproportionately affect the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation).

Keep fighting the good fight, even when it’s difficult and even when you aren’t seeing the results you want. These two cases are evidence that it does make a difference.

Whelp, now my ending section is significantly longer than the poem to which it is attached. That would be like writing a book whose epilogue is longer than the novel itself, which gives me an idea… Just kidding! Anyway, I hope y’all have a great weekend!

Peace out!