Beloved Lady

you

were stripped 

down, laid 

bare, bones

exposed

hypocrisies 

of wearing

crowns 

while bearing

promises,

of unity,

carrying 

torches, 

while casting

shadows

upon naked 

Truths...

We now see

clearly

the (uncharted) path 

ahead, illuminated

by the Stars 

within.

U.S. ALL 

—-

Art inspiration by @ellysmallwood follow her on Instagram. 

*This painting reminds me of Lady Liberty (statue of liberty) in NY Harbor, but without her crown, robes, torch, etc.  Stripped of these items, she felt so symbolic of our nation after the past four years — the truths of our deeply racist (sexist, classist, nativist, nationalist, etc)  past still ever present, finally revealed in a raw and honest (terrifying) way, leaving us vulnerable. Yet, in that naked truth there is hope, as we now see clearly the hard work that must be done within each of us (especially White Americans) to change ourselves...This self-reflective work creates space for equality...and opportunity to heal this broken nation.