I’m seeing integration

It’s expressed in the million different ways 

that define America 

in the 21st century

Neighbors standing across a fence

my almostkindabuddy 

begging the little girl in his arms to smile 

while speaking to me 

Sharing stories of dogs and kids, 

potholes and the weather

The small, simple recognitions of community

I welcome the prophecy of transformation

Of renewed humanity in the outdoor thoughts 

of barbecue, teenagers and shrubs 

endemic to suburbia and TV shows

Fleeting, powerful moments of joy and recognition 

begging for sustainability and sanction

Oh, if only our churches 

and clubs and families 

would do the unthinkable, could somehow do

the impossible, next generation inevitable 

hard work of embrace

Ah, the sweet embrace that’s waiting

To be given and claimed

By your hog riding, beer swilling ‘play cousin’

and our lesbian aunt 

And my own White son, 

still learning to be a man 

Loving Keith Urban and Run DMC, 

Unafraid of judgment besides that of silly girls

And wise ones too

Needing to be told over and over 

that you are not alone 

because Michael Jackson was right 

and you, my child and most precious creation

for whom I would gladly die 

are the hope and future of our people, 

of all the people

It’s your innately earned righteousness 

That will lead us,

must lead us to the glorious shore 

of a future 

authentically prophesied 

with love and deepest understanding 

Mijo, you ARE the Dream

I only wish I could explain it, 

without crying

I’m still worried you might confuse my tears 

with sadness though really 

its all joy

So much joy 

for the man you will be

and the life you will live

My sweat mingles with those unavoidable tears

And my laughter and my envy 

and my love and my joy for you

I wish I could live to know it

I am free enough for now

but you will be the love 

I stand and proclaim 

For tomorrow, today

In the sacred vestment of love 

I am blessed to be the poet

Celebrating the poetry

Thank you for becoming a poem

Of the future

Even more than a prophecy

The clear vision of tomorrow

You will help to create

And manifest with your life 

And my hopes

And every today 

© Gayle Force Press 2014