Radical (a villanelle)

When love is a threat to the powerful
And kindness is seen as a weakness
Then sharing joy must be an act of will

When bigotry is crushing the small
Being an ally to those who’re oppressed
Makes love become a threat to the powerful

It’s possible I may have to die on this hill
Once I’ve stood up to confess
That I’m sharing joy as an act of my will

But I need to evolve, defy cynicism still
To make caring an act of resistance
That turns love into a threat to the powerful

But it’s hard not to gorge myself full
Of anger and spite that make my soul less
And so sharing joy becomes an act of will

I’m waving my battle flag, maybe I’ll fall
Poetry and music are my weapons of choice
For sharing joy as an act of will
And making love a threat to the powerful

 

December 2025

 

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