It’s Not About Me

Melissa Bruno-Piverger

Have I changed this year? What a strange question.

If I had, would I know? If I knew, would I say?

2016 – a year many will remember

the downfall of democracy, start of a revolution, a repetition of history – maybe

Many want to remove the politics of it all, ease up their lives and minds

                Not I, with the year I’ve had I would prefer politics infiltrate mine

I’d let the killings of countless unarmed civilians in Europe and Asia distract me from the cancerous cells eating on the inside of my cousin’s brain

I’d let the senseless war and continued brainwashing of Americans against non-White immigrants distract me from the death of my grandfather and great-aunt

I’d let the changing of power from President Barack Obama to Donald Trump distract me from the death of my close cousin

                --But not entirely             

You see, it would be an injustice to ignore the various injustices of the world

All in an attempt to pacify the harsh reality which is me

It isn’t all about me, and I can’t afford to be that selfish

Have I changed this year?

I don’t know, I’m changing the narrative off of me