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How To Survive Election Season
A poem after Ashlee Gadd
Brew a pot of coffee every morning, and sit
down as you savor the cup. Read the news -
and read the entire article, not just the headline.
Drink a glass of water. Go outside and
stand in the sun. Pay attention to how the kids
in your life will delight in how the leaves crunch
beneath their feet. Look up at the trees
and count all the colors you see. Call your neighbor
who just had hip surgery. Bring lunch to your friend
who just had a miscarriage. Hold the door open
for a stranger. Have friends over for dinner.
Add an extra chair to your table. Take your kid
to the park. Take your teenager to a concert.
Take your mama out to lunch. Read a book about
a place you’ve never been. Go to a movie. A concert.
A Broadway show. Make your love louder than their hate.
Remember, progress is not your enemy. Remember,
your children hear everything you say. Remember,
there are good people in this world. Check your registration
status. Give someone a ride to the polls. Give someone
a reason to believe in hope. Vote. For her future.
For his future. For your future. For our futures.
For the love of it all, Vote.
This poem was originally published on my Substack, Spaghetti at The Wall, and you can subscribe here.
