Poem: "Contemporary Crusaders"
This poem came from the August 7, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from siliconshaman and tomtac. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. See also the article "10 Real-Life Superheroes."
Contemporary Crusaders
In Mexico, Superbarrio
fights for the working class and the poor,
stopping evictions and waging protests.
The people made a statue of him,
flab and all, because who says
you have to be skinny to be a superhero.
In New York City, Terrifica
dresses in red with a golden mask
and a Valkyrie bra
to distract men from
molesting drunk young women.
Guys, if you see her,
chances are you're being a dick.
In Minnesota, there is Geist
in a green bandanna mask and a black hat.
He patrols the streets to protect
the homeless and others in need.
He remembers the forgotten,
for they, too, have a role
in making the world a better place.
In Michigan, Foxfire flits
through the cities and the wilderness,
helping those in distress
and preserving natural resources.
If you will listen, she will teach you
about the hidden world
and all that goes on beneath the surface.
To be a hero is to understand
that being ordinary is a choice;
and upon seeing that choice,
to choose an extraordinary life instead.