Sunday, January 17, 2016

Stone of Hope, 2011

I have refrained from posting political messages here, so I hope you allow this one. I was lucky to draw the Martin Luther King weekend for my first 2016 post. I wrote this poem in 2011, have read it on NPR and at many local forums. I want to share it with all the Roses and our readers.

STONE OF HOPE, 2011

Granite statue gazes outward,
seeks proof the dream
continues

                        I have a dream

looks for footprints
on the path to freedom

that one day on the red hills of Georgia

laments ridicule of a president
with the audacity to dream

                        the sons of former slaves

sees a country
broken by religious hatred

and the sons of former slave owners

hears uncivil discord not
peaceful civil disobedience

will be able to sit down together

wonders what happened
to embracing differences

                        at the table of brotherhood.

abandons hope of government
for all people.

                        I had a dream.


Granite statue gazes outward and weeps.

10 comments:

Rolynn Anderson said...

Well said, Betsy. I've never seen more rancor in politics and religion. I don't understand it; I'm horrified and ashamed. I'm convinced we're seeing racism and greed run amok; even supposedly educated, intelligent people have gone nuts.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Beautiful poem. I love the form. And Rolynn, well said too!

Jannine Gallant said...

Beautiful, Betsy. The way politicians feed divisiveness and hatred in this country is shameful.

Alicia Dean said...

Lovely poem. Thanks for sharing!

Diane Burton said...

Strong message, Betsy. Very needed. I used to think the way politicians acted was unusual until I read Cokie Roberts' book Founding Mothers. Politicians were even worse. I know, hard to imagine. In recent years, the only thing that drew Congress together to act in the country's interest was the events of 9-11. And then it didn't last.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Loved the poem and its form. I don't find it political. I find it humanitarian. Too bad our politics aren't founded in such a way. I'd like to see a two term max on Congress members and different length of time for the Supreme Court instead of lifetime. As Calvin says, "We have the best government money can buy."

Betsy Ashton said...

Calvin is right, Vonnie. We have the best government money can buy. I really wished we had the Australian way of voting. All citizens are required, yes required, to vote or pay a penalty. What we need under that model is D) None of the Above. That way, no one could claim a landslide if 50% of the voters vote D and the winner gets 25% of the rest. Hardly a landslide. Will never happen, but I can wish. Just like I wish for a pony every year on my birthday.

Liz Flaherty said...

The poem is beautiful--so are the comments below it. Let there be peace...

Margo Hoornstra said...

Great thoughts, Betsy and everyone. What a great, great man. I think the term Career Politician says it all. Can't think of a less worthy profession.

Leah St. James said...

The lack of "civil" discourse and the intolerance of others' beliefs (race, religion, politics, whatever) dishearten me, too. I can only imagine, like you, how Dr. King would feel. Great message.