Here I Sit

Author's Note: I wrote [this poem] after giving a speech at a church's board meeting [discussing] the iniatives that were being circulated here in Washington State. I was quite nervous (as you might imagine). But, afterwards, I was quite relieved to find out that the church took an official stand against the anti-gay iniatives (both 608 and 610) in 1995.

Here I sit
Along with many doubts, questions, and fears
They are kept at bay only by hope
Will you hear me?
Will you listen to the words I have to say?

Here I sit
Wondering who you are
Are you compassionate?
Or are you full of bigotry and hate?
Do you believe in love?

Here I sit
Nervously among you
But you don't know me yet
Shortly I will stand before you
A target of the hate of some
But, hopefully, a ray of light
For others still in the dark
But will you hear me?
Will you listen to the words I have to say?

Here I sit
Waiting for my cue to speak
The words of my speech
Tumble through my mind
Crashing like a landslide on my tranquility
Will I forget them?
How can I tell you of love, life, hate, and fear
In the few precious moments allotted me?
Will you hear me?
Will you listen to the words I have to say?

Here I sit
Praying God will give my words
The power to touch you
To move you, to open your
Mind to the wonders of life
I pray my words will make you
See things in a new light
But will you hear me?
Will you listen to the words I have to say?

Here I sit

Copyright © Richard Hanlon.