America is not a pile of goods, more luxury, more comforts, a better telephone system, a greater number of cars. America is a dream of greater justice and opportunity for the average man and, if we can not obtain it, all our other achievements amount to nothing.” Eleanor Roosevelt
This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence. No room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.” Toni Morrison
I am open and I am willing
To be hopeless would seem so strange
It dishonors those who go before us
So lift me up to the light of change
There is hurting in my family
There is sorrow in my town
There is panic in the nation
There is wailing the whole world round
May the children see more clearly
May the elders be more wise
May the winds of change caress us
Even though it burns our eyes
© Holly Near, Singer and Songwriter
“Eastward and westward storms are breaking,–great, ugly whirlwinds of hatred and blood and cruelty. I will not believe them inevitable.” W.E.B. Du Bois, The Wisdom of W.E.B. DuBois
With a nod to Unitarian Minister Ben Meyer and Congregational Minister Penny Nixon in gratitude for a healing evening of songs, prayers and meditation. Dedicated with hope and with faith in the ultimate goodness of humankind: for J.A. and his grandson born on November 9, 2016
Jamie Dedes' THE POET BY DAY Webzine 