Portside

#EnemiesList

By Taj James

If they create an Enemies
List 
Sign me up

But that hour has not come

The sun has not set and

Though it is cold 

Winter is not yet upon us

While we still can

Stop them from making an enemies list
but if we can’t stop them 

Sign up

While we still can

Stop them from creating a Muslim registry

and if we can’t stop them 

Sign up

While we still can

Stop them from creating internment camps
but if we can’t stop them 

Show up

While we still can

Stop them from seizing power
But if we can’t stop them 

Bring down their Dictatorship

If they create an enemies list 

Sign me up

That is the only way to love & defend my family and neighbors 

That is the only way to not lose my humanity
when invited to participate 

in the dehumanization of myself and others

in our global human family

If all of the people 

are enemies of the state 

at that point

it becomes clear

that the State is an enemy of the people

We must protect all from violence

Especially those with the power 

to do violence to others.

All those who have lost their humanity

We express our love for them 

by denying their ability to do harm
to themselves and others

Now is the time to show 

our limitless Love

We are building a world in which 

#AllOfUs can thrive

Even those who have lost their own humanity

and don’t have the capacity to see ours

Even those who celebrate our death 

and the death of our children

We believe in redemption 

We believe in healing and reconciliation

For All and for the Whole

But the harm that is done must be repaired

And we must stand against those 

who seek greater power 

to do unimaginable and unthinkable harm

We show our love by protecting all people from harm

They gain that power 

only when we allow them to have it

Let us reclaim our power

In the name of Love

Taj James, a Dad, dreamer, strategist and movement builder, centers on transformative love and justice.