Change-maker
(c) Melina Magdalena (2006)
to put oneself in the firing line
by noticing that changes are needed
is not about requesting that one’s allies
Change sides!
Line up!
Take arms!
and form the firing squad
it is only self-destructive
to be unable to pretend
that things are the way
one wants them to be
when one lacks the imagination
to provide possibilities
for new ways
of being
and when those high-faluting
new ways of being
cannot come into being
without a painful process
of self-examination
and evaluation
it is easier
to be the shrinking violet
shrieking in outrage
that imperfection
is noticed and named
than to be one who
stands up to be counted
as part and parcel
of the imperfection
and believing
in the possibility
that good
can yet emerge
from something with the potential
to become more horrible
than anyone had the courage
to contemplate
I willingly place myself
against that wall
to take the blame
if that’s the only game
you’re willing to play
so go ahead
and take your shot
but be quick about it
because I’ve got a life to live
dreams to follow
things to do
places to go
people to see
