Hoping for hope

The world sees your defiance
Met with violence
And we feel for you.
Had you raised your hands in violence in return
You would have diminished your cause
But steadfast you stayed true
With resoluteness and solidarity:
Two forces more powerful than batons and pepper spray.
Picture those menacing men in black
And think how pink would suit them better,
With flowers in their hair and in their barrels,
With children’s hands in their hands instead of batons
And cans of Silly String instead of pepper spray
Maybe striking
Maybe even streaking naked with the UC Davis youth
Saying no to the 9% tuition hike
Saying no to the 1%
Bending 0%
Being human
Together with fellow human being
Singing protest songs
Singing Blowing in the Wind
Beating a drum instead of a head with your baton
Hoping for hope again.