Poet’s Page ~ July 2009

Whatever else July holds for us, our attention turns first to the 4th and the red, white, and blue celebration of our freedoms. Whatever the dark places we find in our history, we never lose sight of the light that shines through it all, making our country the home we honor and love, the home that continually gives us another chance to “do it better.” This poem, found on page 58 of “Orange Cat,” speaks to this blessed opportunity.

Song in Minor Key

We woke up on that Sunday, like on any other Sunday,
and went about our business, as we did on any day.
Then the word came down and filled our ears.
We listened through our cries and fears.
“Our beautiful Pearl Harbor has been bombed
and blown away.”

We woke up on that Friday, like on any other Friday,
and went about our business, as we went along our way.
Then the word came down and broke our heart.
We watched our dream world fall apart.
“Our beautiful John Kennedy was shot and killed today.”

We woke up on that Tuesday, like on any other Tuesday,
and went about our business, as we did our daily round.
Then the word came down and struck us dumb.
We felt as though the end had come.
“Our beautiful Twin Towers have been stricken
to the ground.”

We wake up every morning, like on any other morning,
and we go about our business, like an old familiar dance.
And the word comes down and we decide
to take the lead or run and hide.
Our beautiful America still offers us a chance.

Somebody said, “Some things change you forever.”
Lord, will the change never cease!
Somebody said, “Some things change you forever.”
Lord, let our changes bring peace.

jbm