It may seem simple
A flipped switch
But when you ask me not to code
This is what I hear
Risk your income
your job
Risk safety
security
Risk sole provision
family
Risk reputation
standing
Risk rumors
retaliation
harassment
blacklisting
trust
You’re asking me to stand against a system stacked against me
against friends
against family
a system that’s a path
a ladder
a means for you
For us
It’s trauma
psychological scarring
unsafe
potential death
It's afraid
to take my children to buy groceries
It's hate
It’s about life
And wanting to protect it
It’s about seeking equity
While fighting the myths of equality
It’s not just
a hard conversation
It’s a hard living
This is not about feelings
Mine are on the back burner
Curdling
This is about history
And choice
I come from a history of being fired for speaking
Of being punished for self defense
Of remorseless
retaliation
harassment
Policies of we don’t, not ‘I will’
I’m not daunted
I’m denied
frustrated
undermined
I’m less concerned about hierarchy
When every step is focused on
Walking through minefields
Of white fragility
What about mind?
Mine is constantly
Outnumbered
Obstructed
Overwhelmed
Check the Times
Psychological safety doesn’t exist
Where I’m from
Have you ever felt 100% unsafe
disarmed
bare?
Maybe there are no stupid questions
But there are dangerous answers
Do you dissect language?
Examine each phrase
‘In case’
Ideas fall from your mouth
Or do you walk around with words
Not knowing they are weapons