Our democracy is the neglected piano 
sitting in the corner
waiting to be played. 
Dust is gathering on the piano. 
There is no music in the air. 
Nothing is changing. 
Nothing will change
unless we want to play music,
unless we are willing to strike a note,
unless we decide to vote. 
All of us.  Slam the keys of the piano,
shuddering the wood of it,
striking the strings,
sending billowy green and violet dust
into the thick air. 
Let’s break down the brick wall
that’s been obstructing change
in our nation. 
We can vote to raise awareness about climate change. 
Slam!
The wall will shake. 
We can vote for better education. 
Bam! 
We can vote for guaranteed student loans. 
Crash!  
Bricks will tumble
from the wall that has held our country back
for too long. 
Don’t just check a box. 
Mark up the world with your votes. 
Ink everywhere. 
We can change what needs changing. 
Throw goopy, sloppy handfuls
of blue and yellow and red paint
at the fabric of democracy.  
Create a portrait of our existence. 
Proof that we are here. 
Proof that we care. 
All the while the piano plays. 
We sing along together,
a harmony of our choosing. 
We will disagree,
but that’s what makes the melody
beautiful and interesting. 
That’s what makes the song real,
palpable.
If you don’t vote,
you won’t be heard be heard
about immigration,
about term limits,
about campaign funding,
about the death penalty,
about health care,
about the environment,
about prayer,
about our streets and highways,
about women’s rights. 
For too long we have neglected our democracy. 
We have forgotten
that we can make music with our opinions. 
The world dances
to the music
of our democracy. 
We can sing together
and the whole world will listen.
Come. 
Let us gather,
cast our ballots. 
Let us make a difference. 
Let us join together,
strike a chord,
and sing
to the music of hope.