Comes the Revolution…
(For Riley)
Comes the revolution,
I want you in my trench.
Comes the day we say “No more!”
I want you at my side.
I schooled you on our rights;
you’re steeped in the shameful history
of slavery, of suffrage, of civil rights denied,
of how it’s always someone else’s turn
to be not white enough, not male enough,
not straight enough, not American enough;
to be trod upon, to be spat upon
especially via metaphor and the airwaves.
You, a Jew raised in the U.C.C.
(Upfront, Confrontational Christians!)
In your blood, remnants of the Holocaust;
in your training, social justice for all.
That pedigree makes for speaking truth to power,
for passion, for radical, unconditional love.
This revolution will be
one of words, not weapons
Only the undereducated run out of words,
falling back on hate speech and violence.
Though their sound bytes nip at our heels,
we will not run. We will turn and debate.
Comes the revolution, our trench will be
filled with books, journals, and understanding.
So keep sharp your mind, daughter mine
because the revolution is at our door:
The War on Women – our rights,
our bodies, our station, our future.
What we do now is “not for ourselves alone,”
but for all females in generations to come.
We claim our right as citizens of the world
to be who we are, love who we may, and
figure out for our selves what is best
when put to the test of The Pink Stick Follies.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For Sunday Scribblings, Revolution – and for dverse Open Mic Night. Also “in the margin” on Poets United. Also for Trifecta: Radical.
The quote “Not For Ourselves Alone” is usually attributed to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but its first usage came from a man, Marcus Tullius Cicero: “Non nobis solum nati sumus. (Not for ourselves alone are we born.)”
NOTE: When Riley was a senior in high school, I wrote a piece for her yearbook, as did many parents. Mine included the phrase, “Comes the revolution, I want you in my trench.” Since then, she has come out, moved West, entered an art institute, and continues to blossom. Happy birthday, beba.
It seems quite ironic that we are indeed on the verge of an actual revolution, and the stakes could not be higher. We are lucky to have so many enlightened men alongside us in the fight. Let’s hope that the “White is Right and Women Should Shut the Hell Up” militias disband… due to pressure from their mothers!
Sep 11, 2012 @ 15:15:05
Love this and Love Riley too! She must be a great woman because her Momma was one too! Love, el Mosk
Sep 11, 2012 @ 15:35:26
Wow…I’m ready to hit the streets with you and your daughter, Amy. I want you in my trench for sure! Good lessons you imparted to your daughter…great job Mama!
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:41:45
Buddah and Bodhi, thanks for your thoughts on my parenting of Riley. Single mom for many years, so who else do you read the Village Voice with if not your own kid? Love, Amy
Sep 11, 2012 @ 15:41:29
I wish it was all just history. The fact that it’s going on NOW is what disturbs me.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:42:08
And I know you are in our trench, Roger.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:17:36
Oh Amy, I love you so much. You speak my heart and make me laugh (sometimes cry) and it’s always so good. May I join you in your trench?
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:49:49
There is room for all, even those who want to pro- and con for a spell. And YOU, my dear, of course. Need you even ask? Love, Amy
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:21:15
It amazes me, that the same things we walked for in the 1970′s must still be walked for, and talked about again–and perhaps again and again–Wonderful write Amy!
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:51:07
Even now they are chipping away at us like we are a statue of Venus. The “madonna/whore” concept is alive and well, and as repositories of semen, we are simply vessels in many men’s eyes. Also in the eyes of women who are so brainwashed, if you opened their heads, it would smell of detergent.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:23:13
It’s a sad day when women’s rights MAY be going to come under threat again! Especially after fighting for them for over 100 years and, even today still fighting for them and now some politicians want to set them right back into the dark ages along with gay rights and who knows what else too. As if these shouldn’t have been automatic rights in the first place!
Keep on keeping on Amy. you do it so well 
I love that quote..I want you in my trench.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:59:44
You know, if we changed the Constitution to “all PEOPLE are created equal,” that still wouldn’t help, because the “definition of life” is in flux depending on who you talk to. But dammit, why should my daughter be deprived of The Pill to regulate her cycle? Why should a young woman endure the removal of an ovary because she was denied birth control? and WHEN will young men MAN UP and use condoms? Nobody’s trying to take them away…
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:37:43
I do pray you are right Amy, that the revolution coming IS one of words. Unfortunately, no matter the volume (sound and quantity) or quality of the words there has to be a listener. And right now, the world is full of closed ears on all sides.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:54:13
Mark, mine are wide open. I had an interesting talk with my cousin by marriage. She is 100% “pro-life,” and we had a discussion about when life begins, whether a baby should be forced out of a woman, backroom abortions, her abiding faith (Catholic). It was all without rancor, all in the spirit of love. We will probably never agree on the issue, but we talked about it at length. My point is simply this: Abortion has been with us since Old Testament times, when women took care of each other’s health. Rich women will always have safe, clean abortion available. It’s my poor sisters who will have back alleys and coat hangers, so I want it available to all.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 16:40:05
Wonderfully winning poem – full of energy and common sense! Good luck to Riley! I hope we can stay out of trenches but I do think women are getting very pushed.
Very clever close here. k.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 17:03:03
Thanks so much. And yes, Riley is amazing… and she was born on an actual Labor Day, which still cracks me up. Peace, A
Sep 11, 2012 @ 17:14:54
Very funny -
Sep 11, 2012 @ 17:09:16
Awesome. May I repost this on my blog? (with full credits and links)
Sep 12, 2012 @ 01:04:29
Kelly, anytime, as long as you spell my name right!! Thanks, this is a great compliment.
Sep 11, 2012 @ 17:41:42
Hey – something else we have in common girl – I have a daughter who entered life on an actual Labour Day also! This poem is a pure brilliant rallying of the troops – count me in for that trench also … by the time we all get there, we should be able to get it done, yes?
http://nsaynne.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/like-pieces-of-confetti-souls-rained-down/
Sep 11, 2012 @ 17:50:16
heck yeah i say…been interesting the last week in governement class as we have been dissecting the constitution with the students and blending in history as well…it cool to see them get fired up…and then in other ways intersting the lack of response in others….you def fire it up in this one…lets march…
Sep 21, 2012 @ 15:16:20
We are marching, but some in a sorry direction, I do believe. Teachers ROCK. But you know that…!
Sep 11, 2012 @ 18:05:59
I love every word of this. And not running out of words, books, compassion and determination is how revolutions are won–though it seems a shame they have to be re-fought every other generation. But nobody said it would be easy. Thanks for speaking out and speaking up, for your daughter, and for all of us.
Sep 21, 2012 @ 15:19:08
In the end, women – no matter what religion, gender preference or color – come in last. We didn’t even get an Equal Rights Amendment passed…
Sep 11, 2012 @ 18:36:31
We hear you,Amy! Equality is asked for but sadly denied. Fairness and even good sense tossed out without regard to the expected impact. The ladies are in the trench readying for the fight to right the injustices to mankind and to them. Right on with it Ma’am!
Hank
Sep 11, 2012 @ 18:49:36
Based on this, I’d say Riley has a fighting chance. And you’ve got my vote. Keep it up!
Sep 21, 2012 @ 15:29:25
We are, and enlightened men are on our side. Husband Lex will be delivering homebaked apple pies to the trench, ha ha ha. THanks so much, coming to see you now! Amy
Sep 11, 2012 @ 19:21:47
Only the undereducated run out of words…
Comes the revolution, our trench will be
filled with books, journals, and understanding.
Powerful piece, you’ve got me all riled up when I was kind of on the low side of down. You raised my fists and my mouth chanted yes! I just know that the words of poets can change the world… I do believe we can evolve enough so that violence and power struggles and ignorance and and and… will be a thing of the past. I must believe it.
Sep 21, 2012 @ 15:31:06
“On the low side of down” is a poem you should write, Serena. I know that underbelly of life very, very well, manic depressive that I am. Glad I lit the spark for you! It gives me great encouragement when a fellow artist draws strength from something I have written. Going to visit you now, Serena! Peace, Amy
Sep 11, 2012 @ 22:03:13
A wonderful tribute to your daughter and all women who stand up and say it like it is, you as well, my friend. A wonderful write. I’m trying a little something different in the way of images (have posted two) if you have a minute. http://reneejustturtleflight.com/2012/09/12/saturation/
Sep 11, 2012 @ 22:41:20
I especially loved the same lines Serena quoted. And I love Riley who is one Happening gal, and her mom, who raised her well. Enjoyed all the discussion this poem sparked, as well. Keep slinging out those words, kiddo…………and we’ll keep reading them!
Sep 12, 2012 @ 00:25:05
i am {yet again} truly frightened by the current political “climate” ~ keep up the good fight, Amy! much appreciated.
♥
Sep 12, 2012 @ 00:59:37
That’s my kind of trench ~ you’re my kind of gal ~ good to see you again
Sep 12, 2012 @ 04:12:45
A fine, fine rallying cry, Amy, worthy of the Wobblies of old!
Sep 12, 2012 @ 07:17:20
I do think we will have some pretty full trenches! Right on, Amy!
Sep 12, 2012 @ 07:56:30
A splendid affirming poem – destined to stir the apathetic and waken the fighting spirit. Bravo, Amy.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 08:19:13
“Only the undereducated run out of words,
falling back on hate speech and violence.” I love your strong voice. Those lines are truth in the purest form!
Sep 12, 2012 @ 10:44:04
Amelita, education is the key here. If, the extreme right had their way all Americans would be without proper educational tools. I am mortified by the state of things in the country right now. This piece of writing has a strong voice and your footprint all over it, in such a wonderful way, dear.
Paz,
Pamelita
Sep 12, 2012 @ 11:17:30
Loved this, piece this gives me goosebumps.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 11:49:37
Wonderful piece!
swirl it round and round
Sep 12, 2012 @ 19:07:22
What inheritance you leave when you can see part of yourself in your children.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 20:31:30
I am speechless. The entire progression of this poem moves me. You express, yes, clearly, the points and I want to be in the affinity group behind the trench of you and your daughter . . .
Sep 12, 2012 @ 23:46:07
Oh, to have your gift with words! You seam them together so well and with such intention. There is no missing the message.
Wow.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 23:53:00
Wonderful poem! Equality is a constant fight. The line, “Only the undereducated run out of words, falling back on hate speech and violence.” struck me right now, as we are in the thick of political campaigning. I’m shocked/disappointed by the divisive hatefulness that comes out of these campaigns.
Sep 14, 2012 @ 21:29:53
I hope you and Riley would let me and my Taylor in your trench. This gripped me, excited me, and made me full of fight.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 11:11:50
This is wonderful, I’m so glad I finally got by to read it! It is REFRESHING, powerful and liberating! Riley is so blessed to have a mother who taught her about both the realities and the possibilities in life… and clearly admires the woman she has become. What a lovely birthday poem for a daughter, one she is sure to cherish always! Everything you have expressed here rings true.
Sep 15, 2012 @ 22:32:37
Such a spirited declaration of your thoughts and hopes for a better world where each one has a rightful place under the sun. Your daughter is lucky to have been nurtured by such a sensible mother as you. Good luck to her.
Sep 16, 2012 @ 10:10:10
“Though their sound bytes nip at our heels,
we will not run. We will turn and debate.”
this is courage, fearlessness, selflessness…
a beautiful, rare thing so needed. Thank you for your presence in our mad world and for sharing it
Sep 17, 2012 @ 09:54:55
Love, love, love! What my piece did in a fictional story, you encourage your daughter to do every day. Heart.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 09:55:16
Love, love, love! What my piece did in a fictional story, you encourage your daughter to do every day. Heart.
Sep 20, 2012 @ 23:48:18
Goose bumps Amy…goosebumps….LOL I am inspired ..fully…..its great…..the change will have to come……
Sep 21, 2012 @ 05:19:13
“I want you in my trench”…what great words those are♫♪
Sep 21, 2012 @ 16:22:49
Riley is very, very lucky!