Thank you to the water protectors at Standing Rock

Sacramento Standing for Standing Rock

 

I didn’t go to Standing rock,

but I am the millions who stood with you.

I didn’t stand round your sacred fire while you prayed 

for strength to protect the water that gives life to all,

but I felt its warmth and sent my food and blankets

and prayers for your safety and the sanity of our leaders.

I didn’t go to Standing rock,

but I am the millions who learned from you.

I didn’t stand with you on the line where the forces

of greed threw their weapons of intimidation against you,

but I saw your steadfast strength and holy conviction

and it touched my heart and I stood up in my town.

Sacramento

I didn’t go to Standing rock,

but I am the millions 

whose voices you set free.

I didn’t camp with you in the long months 

and freezing nights

on the prairies inspirited with the blood 

of your ancestors,

but I raised my signs in the streets and my voice around our tables 

in the big cities, small towns, and villages, six continents wide.

I didn’t go to Standing rock,

but I am the millions 

who knelt with the veterans

I didn’t actually kneel with the veterans 

asking your forgiveness, but they held 

my heart in their hands 

while they knelt and requested atonement 

for the theft of your land, the broken promises,

the subjugation of your children, your culture, 

your language.

I didn’t go to Standing rock,

but I am the millions guided by your leadership and courage.

I didn’t stand with you as you wielded prayers against guns,

but my heart expanded with hope as the world turned toward you,

reminded of our own power, emboldened to step forward for our earth,

ready, finally, to speak up for our children and the children of our children’s children.

I didn’t go to Standing Rock;

but I am the millions forever changed by you.

You are my Standing Rock;

You made me Standing Rock.

Thank you.

Vermont

Milwaukee

Washington DC

Denver