My Vote

I will vote today:

for intelligence, not fear;

for understanding, not anger;

for reason, not rhetoric.

I will vote today

for history and its lessons,

for thoughtful assemblies,

not inflammatory mobs.

I vote for peace and justice,

not guns and violence,

for safety for my children and their children,

and for others who come here seeking that.

I vote for forgiveness and kindness, 

not punishment and rejection,

for caring over cash,

for prayer over profit.

I do not listen for the loudest voice,

or the most abhorrent accusations.

I vote for what’s good about my country,

though it may still be flawed.

I vote for the dreams there, 

for all that still could be, 

for the builders, not the breakers,

for the ones who still believe.