systems of oppression persist

because there is more interest in changing processes

and keeping systems intact

than in abolishing them entirely.

for decades we've painted the house a different color,

but we have yet to burn it down,

gather new wood,

and build a new one.

building a new house

means blueprints planned and designed by us,

tools sharpened and made by us,

and wood gathered and cut by us.

until we collectively determine

that a new house must be built,

we will never truly

be free.

i wake up wanting to do this,

compelled to show up with full preparedness

to plot, plan, practice,

burn, build, and bleed.

this is a grind that will cut you,

test you, stretch you, scar you,

and then wound you

in the same places again.

this grind will show you to yourself,

bring you devastating clarity,

and prove more and more

how heavy the armor is.