A Vote. A Voice

Thomas Hemminger

October 13, 2024

A vote. A voice

A note. A choice.

A brushstroke

on a canvas,

each one different

from the next.

Do not tell me what

my place in the picture is.

I will be it on my own.

I will add my color

to the others

and separately,

but together,

We will make the art.

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas, as well as in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, The Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.