Another Poke To The Bear (April 13, 2019)

President Trump

Your actions and words

Are a constant reminder

Why I can't stay silent

As a transgender Canadian.

Knowing

Right now

A steady stream of tears

Flow down my face.

Reading your latest salvo

Against my American cousins

Serving in the military(1).

Men and women

Who willingly

Place their lives

In jeopardy.

Unlike

You did

During the Vietnam War

Getting a medical exemption.

Just remember

We do vote

And will speak out

For our democratic rights.

In preventing 

Another generation

From experiencing 

The hate and ignorance

Like we have.

Wish

I could say

This is your final warning

But I know better.

As you hide

Behind pseudo science

Backing your claim

Against the trans-community

Enlisting.

A ban

Your military commanders

Have outright rejected.

To my American cousins

I don't envy you

And the harsh decision

Forced upon you.

A ban

Your military commanders

Have outright rejected.

To my American cousins

I don't envy you

And the harsh decision

Forced upon you.

Stay on

But move back

Into the closet.

Or leave the military

And be true

To yourself.

Either way

You lose.

Therisa © 2019  

Author's note:

(1) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/12/transgender-ban-military-trump-take-effect-dont-ask-dont-tell?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVUy0xOTA0MTM%3D&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUS&CMP=GTUS_email