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.
