They stepped onto the train that day
unaware of the choice the ride included.
When the voice of hate screamed
the two stood as stone, unwilling to look away.
Unified strangers woven into a safety net
flung over the young ones
a protective cover given without request
those two hearts knew what freedom
to live without fear was worth.
The cost of standing up, as the train moved into tomorrow
was life itself.
In this morning’s memory mirror
I wonder if I would be brave enough
to ride as they did.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2018
Dedicated to the men who died a year ago in Portland, Oregon as they stood to defend two young women. My heart breaks for the loved ones of Ricky Best, father of four and US Army veteran, and Taliesan Namkai-Meche a recent college graduate. In honor of these two and the countless others who have stood up against hate please join me in acts of kindness wherever you live. Love is the only answer.
For more information read this Washington Post article, ‘Final act of bravery’: Men who were fatally stabbed trying to stop anti-Muslim rants identified
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
A wonderful tribute.. but so sad that we have poisoned our society to a level where someone takes the right to attack people they do not know
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Yes, very sad indeed. Thanks for reading.
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A beautiful tribute to their bravery and standing against hate ~ Love the message Ali ~
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Thanks for reading and letting me know you appreciated the message. I think it is a story worth remembering.
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A protective cover given without request —- thank you for this.
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Thank you for reading.
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Well described memory of that ride.
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Thanks Frank
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Courage is often not planned, but shows itself on demand!
dwight
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Thank you. This is a great insite.
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You have stimulate a poem in my mind called courage which I will post this evening! Thank you!
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Wonderful. Thanks for letting me know. I will come visit.
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I just posted it! Thank You!
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Thank you for writing this; thank you for sharing this.
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Thank you for letting me know it mattered to you.
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What a beautiful tribute to two brave and selfless young men. May we all live up to their example!
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Yes, it is a story worth sharing and I hope it will inspire others. Thanks letting me know it mattered to your day.
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I feel the depth of your honourable poem, and may your words reach out help against these distorted attitudes.
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Thank you Ivor.
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Unified strangers woven into a safety net
flung over the young ones
a protective cover given without request
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Thank you Kirsten for your reflection. I appreciate it.
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Beautiful epitaph
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Thank you. I hope my poem honors them and inspires others.
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God bless the protectors.
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Yes indeed.
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This poem is a both beautiful tribute and timeless echo of what it means to be brave.
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Thank you. Both of these men have inspired me to learn about interrupting racism.
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A thoughtful and poignant reminder for us all…
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Standing up for those unjustly treated makes a difference for all of us.
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A very touching tribute. 😘
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Thank you.
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