Editor’s Note: Bilquisu Abdullah, a member of Americans United’s Youth Organizing Fellowship, felt inspired by her work with AU to write this poem, which we are pleased to share with readers of Church & State.
“what it means … and more”
what does it mean?
when spiritually
in my heart of hearts
and
my sacred soul
I am akin to the fight
that separates and frees
crossing state lines for survival
from the utopias of joy, pleasure and access we desire.
that separates and frees
reading a book in the secrecy of your own choosing
from awakenings stemming from stories that make you more visible and audible
that separates and frees
a doctor worried to give treatment
from providing affirming care for those they worked so hard to be in the room with
what does it mean?
to me?
when these things are separate and freed,
it pioneers
liberation
queer politics
love
understanding
and spiritual integrity