Riding the Bike with One Pedal.

Reflection…

Standing in line

People crowding around me.

We line up by letter of last name.

I wonder when they’ll figure out “I-O” always has the most people.

I wonder how long I’ll have to wait.

My feet hurt.

It’s been a long day.

Then.

I think of the photo.

Of the Iraqi woman.

Raising her ink-stained finger.

A rush of emotion fills me

And I realize.

Remember.

Remind myself.

Of all the people who went before me.

Who dared to raise their voices.

Who sat in protest.

Who died because they fought to change the system.

Who died to protect the basic tenets of our country.

And suddenly it didn’t seem so bad.

To wait in line.

To exercise my right.

To vote.

iraq-vote

2 Comments

  1. korin

    Oh Jen. You brought me to tears. (and I’m sharing this on FB) Thank you for such a beautiful reminder and tribute to why we should never take our right to vote. <3 I love you!

  2. Christine

    Well stated Ms Plaza Jen! My daughter and I had a discussion when she said lots of her friends’ moms joked about not voting. She said she couldn’t believe that people had died for the right to vote throughout voting and how horrible it is that people treat it as a joke now. I’ll have her read your post today. I think it was moving. thanks!

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