This is the third poem I wrote on my recent trip to Oregon. It is mostly about an experience my friend and I had at the Wonder Ballroom attending a Tash Sultana concert. We were listening to her play and loop a variety of instruments, single-handedly, in songs ranging from jazz to rock, and it was amazing. She is very talented. But after about a half hour of music, she welcomed the crowd and gave a little speech. She said something along the lines of "There are three rules for my concerts! One. If you're a homophobe, get the FUCK OUT!" (applause and cheering) "Two! If you're a racist, GET THE FUCK OUT!" Thunderous cheers. "AND THREE, IF YOU'RE TRANSPHOBIC," the whole crowd screaming with her now, "GET THE FUCK OUT!!!" Immediately after, she says. "Welcome to the house of love." jazz riff.
So, having grown up counterculture, I am used to being uncomfortable with what people say in that sort of situation, so I could have let it slide. But my friend, who had just had her first week in the beautiful Pacific North West, learning the power of community and restorative justice and love for others, did not appreciate the sentiment. After reveling in the hate-fueled emotion and energy she had just gotten from the crowd, the next song Tash played she said was all about killing your ego. My friend laughed out loud and said, "you wanna get out of here?" I shrugged sure. There was a lady swinging a baby all around me anyway, completely in my personal space, her and that baby, so I was ready to head out whenever.
Anyway, here's a poem I wrote about the silly similar hatred on both sides of the country both geographically and politically. Hope you like it - :)
Oregon Trip, III: Wonder Ballroom
Half-high hippos swaying hips,
Heaping hate on elephants.
Hurried hillbilly elephants
Haven’t headed happenstance.
How the hell have hippos not
Remembered how the heat is hot?