Soapbox

Keeping Faith

So it seems I won a second place this year in the Ohio Poetry Day contest. It was for a piece that I don’t think was the best thing I submitted, but isn’t that always the way? Perhaps it got a sentimental vote because of the recent re-opening of the Statue of Liberty.

Keeping Faith

The Lady stands in the harbor
In good weather and in bad,
To guide the way to liberty,
Free those in bondage
And lift up the oppressed.

In times of great moral courage
And times of wretched ignorance,
She stands watch
To remind us all
That America will always aspire to rise
Above man’s worst instincts,
And set an example
That itself is a beacon
For all who seek opportunity.

When her children stumble
And fall prey to fear and cowardice
Or seek revenge over justice,
She keeps the faith
And does not let us forget
The power of compassion,
Or the strength of truth.

Too often her light reveals
Neglect and incompetence
Greed and self-rightousness
Pre-emptive war and prison camps,
Guns and bombs
Anger and terror.

And still she stands
To remind us
That there is strength in diversity,
And that freedom means taking risks.
Through the dark night her lamp shines on
And she whispers to her children
That the path to liberty
Does not involve
Hoods and electrodes.