Raise a First, Light a Candle, Hold Tight

By Megan Dowd Lambert

 

Sometimes we march to call for change.

Sometimes we march to celebrate.

We march in protest of what’s wrong.

We march for love to counter hate

 

But other times a march won’t do,

no, other times we

will

not

move:

 

We come together in a vigil,

still and strong, with candles bright.

We come together, heads bowed low,

our memories sharp, hearts open wide.

 

But no matter if we call a protest,

or stand in vigil side-by-side,

when times demand we join as one

we hold our purpose in our minds:

 

We claim space.

We say no.

We make change.

We forge hope.

 

And in our assembly we remake the promise—

though we may face walls and worse—

that we are stronger when we’re together,

listening, striving, doing the work.

 

So when in joy or righteous rage

we see each other showing up,

we draw strength and sustenance

from goodness, hope, and all the love.

 

Join in the protest, child, come to the vigil,

raise a fist, light a candle, hold tight

to the people beside you, before you, still coming

to help make things whole, to help make things right.

 

This poem was inspired by a friend who is attending the Women’s March on Washington today, January 21, 2017, with her wife and their two children, and it’s for all children learning about and contributing to movements for social justice.