LA the end of July 2018

I love Ida’s eyes
when the rains of injustice
floods them,
fills them to the brim

where they waterfall
from luxurious lashes
to the down turned mouth
of suffering

the indignity of not
having control of ones own body
is plain to see.

No nap. No sleeping.
Grownups don’t take naps
No way.

Daily, determined, demonstrations.
It is monsoon season

Rain followed by Sun
followed by everything
all over again.

This is it.
Nothing is taken for granted.
who knows
where the boundaries
begin or end?

There is only one way to find out.

Do they mean by growing up
that the goal posts keep moving away?

No sleeping, No way.

This much is clear.
There are those
in control
and those who aren’t

those who have cell phones
and those who don’t.

remotes, car keys, credit cards,
money, information.

the list goes on.

Self-determination is a constant battle
as Ida’s fierce tears remind

No sleeping. No way.
No baby. No cry.