The truth is

the problem with protests,

the problem with marches,

the problem with angry words,

is that they are all attempts to demand change;

to demand to be heard,

to demand power,

to demand a seat at the table.

That does not work.

Stop asking white people to give you something.

Stop asking men to give you things.

Stop asking people who are able to give you something.

Power given can be taken back.

A seat at the table can be withdrawn.

Asking for implies it is not yours.

Asking for means you must be given permission to have it.

The power was always yours.

They have just convinced you that it isn’t.

Stop asking and claim your power.

The system will not change if you ask it to change.

It will only change when you change it.

Asking someone to open a closed-door means they have the power to open it.

However, putting your hand on the handle,

results in an open door.

© words by Daniel DeMarle 9/9/2020