In the confines of my classroom

I placed a rainbow flag,
just to say to students, “I’m a safe space, 
I will understand.”
No quips were given, no eyes batted,
until there was an eruption from a student
seething rage. 
It was demanded to be taken down.
At first I conceded, not wanting to cause a 
scene, 
but then I remembered the purpose 
of what some might call 
a “silly little flag.”
But it’s stronger than that, for 
it makes those who are hidden 
feel seen.
So I put it back up, stood my ground,
explained that they didn’t have to agree
but they must respect it, respect other’s 
differences, respect me. 
They continued with rage and left, the next day returned, not a word was said. 
Yet, the importance of the moment hasn’t left my mind. 
It’s prevalence to our derisive reality, causing pause, a thought:
Why can’t we just chose 
respect over rage?

(Inspired by my experience and the words of Senate President Robert Stivers in regards to the tragic deaths of Senators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman: “If we are to preserve and strengthen this country, we must choose respect over rage, justice over lawlessness, and unity over division.”)