for Lawrence Ferlinghetti

I know it’s complicated, I know what’s implicated,

but we have to placate, we have to find peace,

by peace, by piece, our humanity again.

It’s time to believe we can. Yes, we can.

Yes, we did. Yes. We. Will.

It’s time.

I know & you know & we all know.

No magic will stop this war,

that war, all war. Only you & me.

It’s time to stop the cynicism.

Why feel disillusioned in illusion?

Surrender the disbelief: the solution is you & me.

We see, we know, genocide is on our watch.

My action, my inaction, impacts 

every sentient being.

It’s time to show,

a pulsing beacon in neon lights:

STOP THE GENOCIDE. NOW.

It’s time –

Where are you?

Pick up your pens and fight. 

Kelly Malone, June 30, 2025