Passport Approved

 

What has happened?

Has it changed, or has it just changed for me?

It's as if beneath the star spangled banner, under which we have been taught that woven into our flag is freedom of speech, celebration of being, safety and protection, and integrity to the bones of our beginning,

lies 

rot.

fear.

anger.

hatred.

disgust.

supremacy.

religious dogma.

violence.

There are many that look at my horror with a smirk. They have always seen it, felt it, lived it, breathed it, and worked 

every.

single.

moment to survive it. My white skin, my suburban upbringing, my inherited wealth, my lack of need to assimilate... 

as the scent, the look, the way of my being is ... approved.

My US passport stamped. Nothing to alter or fix or be suspicious about.

And, now, my way of being hurts. For I see how it has left so many people, humans, loves, souls behind to flail in the waves of oppression as I fan my face from the comfort of the boat.