Oil wars, arms deals, and sacrificing the needy at home--
Happy Martin Luther King Day!

There was a peace rally today and I didn't go--
I feel bad about that. Showing up is no big effort.

I can't stand the sight of SUVs and the smug pricks
in denial who drive them, but I'm trying to get over it.

Martin taught that to be consumed by hate is to lose;
even if the cause is just, reacting against is defeat.

The trick--and I'm working on it--is to work for something:
peace, justice, and illumination. Love your enemies.

Instead of scowling and thumbs-downing SUV drivers,
I focus on the feeling as I'm walking or biking and smile,

believing that a cheery example will effect change
better than a self-righteous denunciation.

The soul grows in such moments.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ~MLK

While there is a lower class I am in it.
While there is a criminal element I am of it.
While there is a soul in prison I am not free.
                                                                   ~Eugene Victor Debs