burn it down

systems of oppression persist

because there is more interest in changing processes

and keeping systems intact

than in abolishing them entirely.

for decades we've painted the house a different color,

but we have yet to burn it down,

gather new wood,

and build a new one.

building a new house

means blueprints planned and designed by us,

tools sharpened and made by us,

and wood gathered and cut by us.

until we collectively determine

that a new house must be built,

we will never truly

be free.