A CONVERSATION WITH GOD

Shewa. my love.

my neck that holds me up:

I am here for you.

to show you,

I know your worth.

you are worthy of love

of kindness

because I know this world does not show you.

does not deserve you

and your unwavering passion for freedom

but I know you

and

I see you.

god. my god.

I just feel so empty

so drained

I feel like I cannot change these systems

I feel like you don’t love me

because this world doesn’t

why do you allow this world to continue to do this to me?

I’m bound in this consuming flame

this hell that is determined to destroy me

to cause me so much pain that I become crippled

how can I continue to resist the hatred of the world has towards difference?

my love, do not be consumed by the flame.

do not be destroyed by your pain.

be you. be defiant. be sensitive. cry. reach out. repeat.

because your silence will not protect you.

be brave.

even if your voice shakes.

be courageous.

even in the flames.

stand tall in your unapologetic humanity.

because pain begets progress.

your pain is rooted in the love for yourself and your people

you are here to spread love.

to recognize your pain in others

and remind them

they are not alone.

you see them

and you will fight for them.

~ Shewa Dedeke