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# 1A
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/1a/
- Published: 2026-03-28T19:39:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:10:15.000Z
- Description: “1A,” an homage to the right to assemble, and the joy of spring and community, written March 28, poem 087 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo, "Assembled Masses," by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Dry Humor, Poems, 1A, America, Cherry blossoms, Country, Dancing, Love, March, No Kings, Party, Politics, Rally, Signs, Spring, Sun, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

Red, White and Blue   
flags raise to the heavens.  
They swish and soar as blue sky,  
rosy petals and white clouds  
serve as festive echoes.  
  
Cherry blossoms are  
a day past peak bloom.  
Once bud, now pink snow,  
they drift like confetti in the wind.  
  
Joyful rally participants  
hoist posters aloft  
held on dowels, in hands  
and taped to the fronts  
of mobility scooters.  
  
The posters that wave above heads   
are colorful in words and in craft.  
They announce their purpose:  
Peace, Democracy, Freedom.  
  
Signs proclaim positivity:   
"We love America!"  
"Kindness!"   
"No War!"  
"No Kings! Yes Love!"  
"Sanity must prevail!"  
"Let's stop the cruelty!"  
"Democracy dies   
when people stay silent!"  
  
Some opt for witty zingers:  
"Science keeps   
your dumb ass alive!"  
And "Peacefully Pissed!"  
  
Down the way, a man  
in a striped robe and beard  
clutches a sign that says:  
"The dude does not abide!  
*This aggression must not stand!*"  
  
Someone dressed like   
our current leader   
dons a crown and a comb-over,  
black Florsheim dress shoes,  
and a gaudy pinstripe suit.  
  
This impersonator  
dances awkwardly, lazily  
— all fists and elbows —  
on the street median.  
  
Across the way  
a princess twirls and   
sparkles, blue and silver,  
in a hoop-fluffed ball gown.  
  
She carries a board that says:  
"Immigrants are:  
 Friends  
 Neighbors  
 Economic Contributors  
HUMAN BEINGS!"  
  
A DJ spins   
rallying tunes  
under purpley-white  
magnolias:  
  
*Born in the U.S.A.* 
*Get up, Stand up.* 
*This is America.* 
*Freedom!*   
  
Protest,   
but make it party.  
  
Passing cars honk  
and throw peace signs   
from their car sunroofs.  
In turn, the crowd cheers.  
  
Pedestrians wave earnestly  
at drivers and their companions.  
Kids in car seats   
seem genuinely excited.  
  
The throng hoots   
and fist pumps in union  
as a friendly truck horn blares:  
***Ooo ooo oooo!***  
  
Sure, it's not all perfect.  
There are occasional grimaces  
or a prominent single finger   
that springs forth from a car window.  
  
In these quick flares of anger,  
gathered masses smile back  
while some exclaim:  
"We love you!"  
  
And it's the truth.  
They love us.  
Because we are all   
inherently worthy of love.  
  
We love America.  
We love our neighbors.  
We love our rights.  
We love our country.  
  
Welcome love  
back to the table.   
Come, dance in the sun.  
Revelers are waiting for you.