A Small Needful Fact
{Ross Gay}
Is that Eric Garner worked
for some time for the Parks and Rec.
Horticultural Department, which means,
perhaps, that with his very large hands,
perhaps, in all likelihood,
he put gently into the earth
some plants which, most likely,
some of them, in all likelihood,
continue to grow, continue
to do what such plants do, like house
and feed small and necessary creatures,
like being pleasant to touch and smell,
like converting sunlight
into food, like making it easier
for us to breathe.
It’s not enough to say that I am not a racist.
It’s not enough to say that I am uncomfortable talking about racism, that I haven’t tried, that I don’t know how.
It’s not enough to feel sad, disgusted, demoralized and ashamed.
It’s not enough to say that I live “here” and because I live “here” it’s not an issue for me, for us.
It’s not enough to pay attention.
It’s not enough to say that I’ll use my vote.
It’s not enough to visit the monuments, to read the words, to know the history.
It’s not enough to claim the moral high ground.
It’s not enough to say, “give it time, it will change.”
It’s not enough to be a “good guy,” a “good friend,” a “good” colleague, father, husband, citizen.
It’s not enough to share a smile and a wave, to hold the door, to say “thank you,” to say “no problem.”
It’s not enough to not know how.
It’s not enough.
It’s not nearly enough.
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