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 an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. 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 lives and writes poetry.
Bartholomew Barker, Poet 
You spoke the words churning in my gutt. Well said.
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Glad it resonated and I’m honored that you chose to reblog it. Thank you very much!
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It is an honor.
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Reblogged this on The Prolific Pulse and commented:
This poet said it so well. Have a read:
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“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.
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I took this poem through a workshop last night and the second half of that was a replacement for a weak spot. I’m glad my revision worked. Thank you!
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Great revision, it is definitely strong and brought it home.
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Yes. This.
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Thanks!
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Amen!
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome!
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you convey your thoughts perfectly. . .and i agree wholeheartedly. thanks.
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Thank you for reading!
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