I visited Washington, D.C. for the first time in 1996 and wrote this poem after touring the city. After watching the inauguration celebration yesterday, I decided to share it with the digital universe. There is no doubt in my mind that unless we learn how to work together – in spite of our differences – every life that has been lost in battle, every person who has been persecuted while waging the fight for freedom, and every beautiful memorial in our lovely Washington, D.C., will be for naught.
Unity
Eyes stare from the face of the black wall – The children of many, the loss of one. A thousand tongues become a single voice That shouts a silent word. Their strength lives in the grandeur of stone. Their tranquility grows in the purity of gardens. Their promise is captured in the light of hope. Their pain cries in the shadow of nothing. Their tears flow into a sea of white crosses. Their comfort is the single flame.
The silent singers, though different, sound the same. They gave their voices So freedom could be sung. They paid the price of war In order to give us peace. May we show the courage in life That they showed in death. May we strive to live together As they unselfishly died as one. May we honor them with unity.
August 1996
Komentáře