Should a leader claim ownership of a word
Simply to smother the ideas it represents?
There are words that should never be heard.
Words denigrating the marginalized have no defense.
Let’s start there: such words are the enemy,
But such “wokeness” threatens their homogeneity.
What about the words diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Shouldn’t they matter when assigning seats at the tables of power?
Why does the big fish in the little pond favor exclusion
When forced to swim with fish too numerous to devour?
Two steps forward; three steps back consumed by the dance
To maintain an antiquated idea of who gets to advance.
Can removing words erase what they stand for?
Will we forget to love and include instead of hate and exclude
If we give voice to these concepts no more?
Should a leader be allowed to intrude
When free speech guaranteed doesn’t jive with their view?
Silencing the masses to pacify the one or the few.
Questions made of words about the words we choose
Our right to question under fire as never before.
Will the words we use; those we fight not to lose,
Be relegated to lists a leader chooses to abhor?
Will we stand as a nation to protect our inalienable rights
Or surrender to the schoolyard bully without a fight?