Our Virus

Posted on 2020/06/19 by Bartholomew Barker

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Our Virus

We must eradicate this virus
infecting our nation.
It is dangerous, pervasive
and has killed far too many.

We know how to fight
but intentional ignorance
and tribal chest pounding
has prevented progress.

Science can lead but will we follow?
Like an alcoholic, we need to admit
we have a problem and detoxify
because there’s no vaccine for racism.

We are the antibodies. We must overcome
before the patient, our country, dies.

Happy Juneteenth!

About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is one of the organizers of Living Poetry, a collection of poets and poetry lovers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he makes money as a computer programmer to fund his poetry habit.
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14 Responses to Our Virus

  1. Lisa Tomey says:
    2020/06/19 at 19:12

    You spoke the words churning in my gutt. Well said.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Lisa Tomey says:
    2020/06/19 at 19:14

    Reblogged this on The Prolific Pulse and commented:
    This poet said it so well. Have a read:

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Cassa Bassa says:
    2020/06/19 at 20:08

    “Like an alcoholic, we need to admit
    we have a problem and detoxify
    because there’s no vaccine for racism.”
    These few lines strike the core.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. purplestoneblog says:
    2020/06/20 at 09:48

    you convey your thoughts perfectly. . .and i agree wholeheartedly. thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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