Palmer is out there fighting for justice, searching for truth but I am huddled in a corner watching, a by-stander. I watch as Palmer holds signs that read “Equality for All” or “Hey hey, ho, ho, homophobia has got to go” in the freezing cold rain or blistering hot days. I hold myself as high as can be but no higher than Palmer, for Palmer needs all the confidence and strength she can obtain. I save my voice by speaking only when needed so Palmer can scream chants like “When queer youth are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” Until her throat starts to bleed. It is Palmer that I see next to members of the legislator. I listen closely to Palmer as she tries to barging and plea with members of Congress to pass many bills on trans and gay rights. I watch Palmer stand next to hundreds of people or next to only ten people fighting for what she believes in.
I do not step in the help Palmer when the opponent is putting her down. For I know when another human is screaming “faggot” or “dyke” in her face it is not my place to step in. If I were to step in I would bring Palmer down. I would try to comfort her and make her turn away. I would cry, but Palmer does not. Palmer would educate the other human being and stand up for herself. Palmer would not show the hurt like I would. I will remain, as I am, a quiet and unseen friend of Palmer, only to show when Palmer is in the privacy and comfort of herself. I pick up the broken pieces of Palmer and attempt to attach them back on so she can continue doing what she does. Palmer never notices me, for I just watch her from a distance admiring her, striving to be at her level, always.
Dynan and I like how you compare yourself to the activist you want be.
ReplyDeleteThis piece of writing is dynamic, centered and has an authentic and powerful voice. What I love most about it is the tension between the activist, Palmer, and the more quiet soul, I. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI applaud Palmer's actions, as I believe that the fight for equality is one of the most important fights there is. Gruber, however, laughs at Palmer. He doesn't believe any one person can make a change in this world, so why would Palmer bother trying?
ReplyDeleteSchechter feels sad after reading this poem but I don't feel that way. I really liked this piece and how strong it is.
ReplyDeleteDemick and I love the strength and yet vulnerability of this piece. It shows a whole range of human emotions and Demick thinks that Palmer sounds like a very strong-willed person. She likes how Palmer is portrayed and how the two of you seem to work together well.
ReplyDeletesegar and i are struck by the passion in this writing and the difference between palmer and you is very clear and significant. the use of language and examples also help to make this very powerful
ReplyDeleteMamon and I enjoy the strong language in this post. It seems as if the author really is taking a stand on something they believe in.
ReplyDeleteJoseph really liked the content of this piece, Joseph especially enjoyed the two closing sentences. If Joseph were to offer criticism he would suggest that you revise this piece, make it more fluid, and submit it to the Heliconian or something like that.
ReplyDeleteJaff likes the fact that Palmer is shown as the alpha in the piece, yet it is written that Palmer needs "I"'s help to be the alpha. I like the writing; the descriptive writing and the fluidity of the piece are comforting, yet they leave the reader on edge and desiring to delve deeper into the world of Palmer and I.
ReplyDeleteSteinberg and I feel that Palmer is a very dedicated, inspiring person and that the author might not know it, but she is as strong as Palmer. Steinberg and I like how the relationship between Palmer and the author are juxtaposed so well.
ReplyDeleteWest can feel Palmers confidence and passion throughout the piece. She thinks the way Palmer represents herself is strong and daring. I wonder why you think you are not as strong as Palmer.
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ReplyDeleteFurr and I enjoy how descriptive and detailed the piece is, and we really understand who "Palmer" and "I" really are.
ReplyDeleteHarrington respects Palmer's perseverance. I grok the line you draw between who know you are, and who you want to be.
ReplyDeleteAswad and I admire your strength and how you stand up for what you believe in. It's interesting how you act quiet sometimes but you're really feeling your emotions very intensely. Also your writing is very thoughtful and descriptive.
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