I Know What It’s Like to Cry on Election Night

I know what it’s like to cry on election night

To wake up to shock and betrayal

And fear settling in my bones

There are people I love

Who feel that way today

They are worried about the babies

And about people who don’t look like them

And about their faith and if it will be threatened

And I want to tell them

I’m worried about that, too

I’m worried about babies being separated from their parents

And babies going hungry

And babies not being safe in our schools

I’m worried about the folks who don’t look like me

Being targeted in the streets

Pulled from their homes

Shot in their cars

I’m worried about my faith

And all the ways it’s been twisted up with power

And used to keep people out rather than invite them in

I can’t tell you it will all be ok

And that everything will get better

That wasn’t true for me

In the days and weeks and years after Election Day

But I can tell you

I want your flourishing as much as anyone else’s

The relief I feel

Is not at your expense

Your disappointment is not an ATM

Depositing joy into my bank account

Our humanity is not a zero sum game

I voted like I believe that

And on my most hopeful days, I do

I voted for my neighbors

And that includes you

Thank you to my friend, Erin, who gave me the courage I needed to share this poem here, and to read it aloud as well.