“We don’t get to engage in violent language and exclusion” by Lisa Cheby

We don’t get to engage in violent language and exclusion[1]

the California poppies say

be soft

yet unbreakable

be willing to let

yourself dance in the wind

even as you stay

rooted to the earth

be steadfast but not static

or stoic – let your fire

shine and commune

with others who practice

fearless compassion

who are willing to ruffle

their petals asserting

their freedom

to grow where one is called to grow

where the soil and sun and rain are abundant

enough for your needs where others

who are yellow and gold and variegated

like-minded and like-hearted

thrive and shout out

praise to the mother

earth and sky who give

all we need to bloom.

[1] From Rev. S. Peralta’s Sunday Sermon on April 14, 2019 at North Hollywood FUMC


Lisa Eve Cheby, a librarian, poet, and daughter of immigrants, holds an MFA from Antioch and an MLIS from SJSU. Her poems and reviews have appeared in various journals and anthologies, including Drawn to Marvel, Coiled Serpent, and Accolades. She was a SAFTA Writer in Residence and an artist in residence at Dorland Mountain Arts. Her chapbook, Love Lessons from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Dancing Girl Press) was featured in The Wardrobe’s Best Dressed Series. Her second chapbook will be released by Dancing Girl Press in Fall 2021. http://lisacheby.wordpress.com