memorial in poetry

but where is the praise
for our unarmed forces
our women and our men out in the streets
fighting for justice non-violently
without weapons
arrest records as their only medals
bruises on their faces
and their arms as their only uniforms
where are these civic heroes’ holidays
where are their parades
where’s their line-cuts at the airport
where’s their accolades?

because, I mean, we need them
we need them more
than at any point in history
we need them now
and we need to honour their sacrifice
with more than just some scoffing
stories on the corporate cable news
we need Protestors’ Day
we need Resisters’ Day
we need them ever
and owe them a debt to pay
thank you