Who Said It Was Simple?

I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

As we reflect this week on when it’s healthy to walk away, it may be helpful to listen closer to those who have been pioneers in walking away, especially when it has not been simple to do so. The famous poet, Audre Lorde, once wrote, “Sometimes exploring our differences feels like marching out to war.” As you read one of her more famous poems, ask the Holy Spirit to awaken in you new insights.

Who Said It Was Simple
Audre Lorde

There are so many roots to the tree of anger
that sometimes the branches shatter
before they bear.

Sitting in Nedicks
the women rally before they march
discussing the problematic girls
they hire to make them free.

An almost white counterman passes
a waiting brother to serve them first
and the ladies neither notice nor reject
the slighter pleasures of their slavery.
But I who am bound by my mirror
as well as my bed
see causes in colour
as well as sex

and sit here wondering
which me will survive
all these liberations.