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:
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.
Beautiful poem. I love the form. And Rolynn, well said too!
Beautiful, Betsy. The way politicians feed divisiveness and hatred in this country is shameful.
Lovely poem. Thanks for sharing!
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.
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."
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.
The poem is beautiful--so are the comments below it. Let there be peace...
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.
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.
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