Chicken Fight

 

{I was thinking about all the work I still have to do, to get my house and life into any semblance of order.  And I realized how lucky–that is, how “privileged,” in today’s parlance–I am, to be having these types of problems.  The problem of “too much stuff” is not shared by all.

This poem is written from the viewpoint of a privileged elite, who feels it his duty, to defend the disparities in wealth, voice, and power, that prop up his position.  These people have always existed, and will likely continue to exert their influence, to perpetuate even the most inequitable of status quos. 

Such as the current status quo, from which many of us, to our shame, have benefitted.  And continue to benefit.

For anyone not familiar with these terms:

The expression “I’m damned, if I…” means, I emphatically and absolutely can’t or won’t.

A “chicken fight” is a spontaneous game, usually taking place waist-deep, in a pool or lake.  One person sits on the shoulders of another, and fights another similarly-configured pair.  The goal is to push the other seated person off, and into the water.

May we all count our blessings, share them with one another, and work for change together, so as to avoid the worst.  Forget damnation.  It has already been earned, many times over, by countless privileged generations.  Including our own.}

 

I may be blessed with privilege.

I may be blessed with power.

But damned, if I can make a date,

And be there, on the hour!

 

I may be blessed with children,

And possess a fine estate.

But damned, if I recall their names,

Or keep my records straight!

 

My status stirs your jealousy,

My laxity, disdain.

I soar above your petty peeves.

I disregard your pain.

 

You march, protest, for human rights.

I search for the sublime.

You risk your job, your life, to fight.

I yawn and waste my time.

 

I sit upon the shoulders

Of a million privileged whites.

You’ve been knocked down so many times:

Not fair, this chicken fight.

 

Why should I bend or buckle?

To give in is a disgrace.

I’m damned, if I will do it!  But

I’m damned, in any case.

 

Copyright 2020 Andrea LeDew

 

To read an essay on how the lack of a level playing field affects another historically disenfranchised group, children with disabilities, check out Hurdles.