There is a braid
tied together with the hair of all the girls boys women men
who have chosen and spoken up strong like their courage brave shows
and withstood harsh noise
to say it
hard braid to weave
first taking a big gulp to clear the lump in throat but each
strand piece by piece forms this rope
to end abuse and shame
to ward off attack to stop it from happening again
a braid a guide held by all of those who come after
and for those here now who do not speak and even those of the past who cannot but answer
a cable forever
from all of us we thank you
Lee Burke González
New Yellow Suit (Diptych), 2017
Acrylic on wood