This is Just to Say

I condemn
and disavow
the violence
in Charlottesville

where a woman
was murdered in the street
and Nazis
are unapologetic.

Forgive me
I am so nauseated
to learn
what we are.

I hear the words
of those who spread hate,
and I must admit
I benefit
from a privilege

I did not create,
but have not yet dismantled.
It has always been
that I, that we,

are standing upon
the backs of others,
and we must,
collectively, immediately, wholeheartedly,

step down.

—

Edited, for clarity, and because I was made aware my original message was problematic, in that it contained the phrase ‘I do not ask forgiveness.’

What it should have made clear was that I don’t *deserve* or *expect* forgiveness from those who have lost their humanity so that I could benefit from institutionalized racism.

I humbly apologize for my misstep, and am so very sorry to anyone hurt by my ill-chosen words.

– Jones