You say everyone has a voice,

the right to their own opinion.

You preach the importance of understanding,

of hearing everyone’s point of view.

You teach us to be accepting:

to recognize our differences.

You say a lot of things,

but they are not true.

What you mean, but do not say,

is everyone has a voice, the right to their own opinion;

as long as it aligns with your own.

What you mean, but do not say,

is those who disagree with you need to be understanding;

need to hear your point of view and accept it.

Your true meaning remains unspoken,

yet heard as if shouted through a microphone.

With your ability to persuade and influence,

to tighten a community or tear it apart,

you have power.

Like a queen on her throne.

A queen with the potential to be great.

To change a time of fear and hate to one of love.

But you choose to be a queen who uses her power injudiciously.

Who chooses division over unity.

You choose to silence voices

by yells and threats,

oppressing those same opinions, you teach to protect.