Earplugs

Times like these are dangerous  
darkness dimming sun song  
   
No birth of notes splashing    
against our ears  
before the poem digs up the well    
of our heart  
   
I don't wish for silence    
but a roar from the shadow    
howling for the symphony    
the unity  
of a thousand instruments  
orchestrated as one  
   
shattering the disease    
spreading like olive oil  
over the flowers    
who's petaled eyes  
are glazing over in disbelief    
   
I will not shut my mouth  
to appease your sensitivities  
 
I speak out because, Sisterhood
bodily autonomy should not be dictated
by any government  
   
I speak out because, Caring  
even though birthright citizenship  
laws do not apply to me  
   
I speak out because, Empathy  
the persecution of being true  
to one's LGBTQ+ self    
   
I speak out because, Deportation  
seizing children    
is cruel beyond measure  
   
I speak out because, my Heart  
breaks at the plight    
of Ukrainian and Palestinians    
over oceans of miles  
separating us  
   
I speak out because, Poetry  
demands my voice    
I speak out because, Love  
will not allow my silence    
   
Earplugs are cheap  
down at the drugstore    
   
I'll happily buy you a pair  
if hearing the truth
hurts too much