My Son

I gave him vegetables and vitamins,

barefoot days at Sandy Beach

and Mount Juneau’s granite peak.

I gave my son a universe of books.

Now, he wants a world

of justice and compassion.

Each workday at noon, my son

stands at the Capitol, holding

a hand-lettered sign. He wants

healthcare for all, funds for education

and action on climate change,

things I can’t give him.

But he’s not giving up.

He raises his voice

at the town hall meeting

and brings his young daughter

to the Women’s March.

My son gives me resolve

to write a letter,

make a call,

keep doing my job as his mother.

-Diane DeSloover

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The Capital City Weekly accepts submissions of poetry, fiction and nonfiction for Writers’ Weir. To submit a piece for consideration, email us at editor@juneauempire.com.

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