Wanderings with Kate
Wanderings with Kate Podcast
Thinking About It
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Thinking About It

making a 'Spark the Vote' video
'Spark The Vote' Video (link)
Voting and Democracy
synonymous
foundation
of my lived experience.

I'd never really thought about it.

Is it having a grandson
that changed things?
Is it being practically an elder
in my community in this country?

I'd never really thought about it.

In some countries
democracy's
survival
demands courage.

I'd never really thought about it.

Who knew I'd be living
in a time and place
where that kind of courage
would be called upon?

I'd never really thought about it.

Courage to have conversations
that unfold like landmines,
Courage to search out ugly facts,
to overcome habits of expectation.

I'd never really thought about it.

This year it will take courage to show up
at the polls in some locations.
I'm not eligible to vote here.
I won't have to find out about that.

I'd never really thought about it.

Something has woken in me.
I look at this grand child
with his skin darker than mine
and I wonder, in what world will he grow up?

I'd never really thought about it.

What can this grandmother 
- who cannot vote - do?
Bring her skills, too quickly, to the table, 
have courage to share her too-rushed creativity.

I'd never really thought about it.

I called on the community,
friends and strangers.
'Be in a 'Spark The Vote' video.'
They trusted me and they brought their courage.

I'd never really thought about it.

There are things I do think about -
Climate, equality, mental health,
how fortunate I am in my life -
But Democracy, Freedom, as Transitory?

I'd never really thought about it.

October 6th, 2024

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This is a free post to all. Please, Vote if you are eligible; everyone can help others get to the polls; show up to protect their sense of safety while they are there - simply by your presence. If you have questions about the process check here for good information: https://www.whydoyou.vote/voter-tools

Thank you on behalf of all our children and their future.

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