Learning the Names: Mahmoud

I know that empire is designed to make me imagine that I am separate from the people facing the sharpest cruelty from the oppressive systems of the world, but we are not separate. How can I lean into that connection, while acknowledging that the action I take today will not be “enough” because what I truly want is for everyone in the world to experience safety, nourishment, abundance and inspiration right now. How can I learn from this grief at a scale that keeps me honest? When I asked myself this question this solidarity process emerged. I said, can I at least learn the name of one child directly impacted by this genocidal system every day. I do not know the names of the over 5 million children orphaned and displaced in Sudan. Today can I learn one name? And the meaning and story of a child’s name?

in praise

for Mahmoud

the invisible “c”

when i say your name

the covered over conflict

the place where a border i can’t see

breaks your life

mahmoud

worthy of more

than praise

you are more people

than i can count

you are emi mahmoud

the human rights poet

crying out to beautiful Sudan

‘who did this to you?’

you are mahmoud

last name redacted by the BBC for your protection

dreaming in a massive orphanage

about how you would rebuild the world

mahmoud

in praise of youth

in praise of wild belief

in praise of people younger than me

who are founders of nations

veterans of wars

beyond your consent

in praise of audacity

in the face of impermanence

in praise of every breath

mahmoud

to say your name

i must clear my throat of pity

shuttle my own air brazenly forward

trust the invisible

(almost) see.