The Old Man’s Corner: Conversations With Myself

Calm down, let’s talk through this. We don't know how this is going to turn out. You're getting worked up for nothing. It's still early in the night, maybe we should go to bed and not watch the results. I know, I know, the people have failed us before but maybe it'll be different this time. You got to breathe, buddy. Stop watching. We did our part; we showed up; we voted; we educated others and campaigned for others to vote. Yes, I know that our freedoms are under attack. Yes, I know you're stressed but you are going to have to breathe or we’re going to pass out. Our wife is worried that we are going to stroke out. I know it's stressing you out. That's why I said, “stop watching the results. It's still too early to tell. Let’s go to bed, it will be ok in the morning…… I can't believe it! What.. don't say you told me so. I thought our people would do the right thing. How could they fail us this way? How are we going to make it out in the next four years?

Don't say that he can only serve one more term. Yes, I know the country we live in is racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic. But how could the American people vote against their own best interests? Yes, I know that you think we’re a country of idiots so busy living under a foot of oppression that we keep shooting ourselves in the foot.

Ok, so it’s ok to grieve again. I know this country keeps letting us down, keeps treating us like we don't belong. How are we going to protect our families and ourselves? What about all those young Trans and non-binary kids out there? How are we going to keep them safe? I know, I know, we can’t save everybody. We can’t put the weight of the world on our shoulders, but damn, they feel so heavy right now (not that they ever felt light). Why don't we ever get to feel safe and seen outside of our home and the safe spaces we've created? If it is the land of the free, when will it be our turn? Can you tell me that?

I can tell you this: where there is a glimmer of light, there is hope. We have a loving family and friends. They’re our space where we go to cry and scream, but also to laugh and feel joy. There is much work to be done in these next four years. We will stand with others like us and keep disrupting the system. We will keep showing up. We have to because we are all we got and we got to save us. I hope you feel better now that we've talked this thing out or at least clear on the path we’re taking. I know we will have this conversation again over the next 4 years, but we got this. Do us a favor and resist!