It’s hard to live in the world. This line has spoken itself in my head throughout my life, especially right now. Don’t let them get to you, Allie. That little mantra got me through some hard times when I was a child, and while it’s a flawed philosophy it’s still a helpful one when it comes to bullies, because bullies love reactions.
Who do you turn to in hard times? That question was asked a few weeks ago in my church, where the only creed is love, compassion, kindness, inclusion, and social justice. Those who have gone before me, was my instant answer. Those who have done the hard things. Those who have already stepped through those distant doors and did so with courage and heart. Like James Baldwin. What seems hopeless isn’t, because the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, and nothing is fixed.
For Nothing Is Fixed, by James Baldwin
For nothing is fixed,
forever, forever, forever,
it is not fixed;
the earth is always shifting,
the light is always changing,
the sea does not cease to grind down rock.
Generations do not cease to be born,
and we are responsible to them
because we are the only witnesses they have.
The sea rises, the light fails,
lovers cling to each other,
and children cling to us.
The moment we cease to hold each other,
the moment we break faith with one another,
the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.
Click here for more information about poet, essayist, short story writer, critic, novelist and iconic American James Baldwin.
alisonmcghee.com
My podcast: Words by Winter
Alison McGhee 
Thank you. Forever your fan Barb McClearyMcclearybarb@gmail.com952-388-8856
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I’m your fan too, Barb. ❤
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I love the spirit of the poem and your foreword..hang on to each other so that we brave together the upcoming storm…life..
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Mais oui, mon ami. XO
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I love the spirit of the poem and your foreword..hang on to each other so that we brave together the upcoming storm…life..
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Gorgeous , Thank you!
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The poets will lead the way. ❤
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So timely. Thank you!
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You are welcome!
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Thank you Alison for the much needed thoughts and poem.
John
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You are so welcome. Solidarity, my dear friend.
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So heartbreakingly beautiful. I wish it were not so but it always has been and always will be. I imagine you often, holding on to your kids, holding on to yourself, and speaking out as only you can. To me, the political rough housing in your part of the world looks meaner and more ominous. Stay the course wise soul. Hug a lot. Be always and only yourself. The world needs your true heart
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You are the kindest, Sheilagh. You’re right: it is mean and it is ominous, and I vow to stay the course along with so many others. XO
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Sent from my iPad
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