Scott Bird

Kimi Sugioka is an educator and poet. She earned an MFA at Naropa University and has published two books of poetry; the newest of which is Wile & Wing on Manic D Press. As the Poet Laureate of Alameda, she engages the community in a multi-cultural and intergenerational exploration of poetry and literature. Her work appears in anthologies such as Civil Liberties United, Endangered Species, Enduring Values, Standing Strong, Colossus, and Colossus: Home.

Poem on Belonging

ACT

Being Joyful in the time
of the Big Radical Sad
is a revolutionary act.
Buying a bottle of wine with what’s left
after the rent check clears
is a revolutionary act.
Chopping celery and carrots for a soup
you may make for tomorrow’s supper
is a revolutionary act.
Giving time to smile and visit with a fellow
on the street, though you’ve nothing else to give,
is a revolutionary act.
Being happy and Queer
having mirth while Black and Brown
being a strong oak to those who call you Momma
having a full heart though it is in many pieces
is revolutionary.
Doing all things in Love
while the whole world straddles the Hate Divide
is a revolutionary act.
                         loving radically.
This you shall do above all else—this revolutionary act.

Copyright © 2021 by Scott Bird. This poem originally appeared in Migozine January 2021. Used with permission of the author.