Poem: "One Nation, Indivisible"

[ysabetwordsmith]

This poem came out of the December 6, 2016 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from chanter_greenie and janetmiles, based on this image.


"One Nation, Indivisible"


In the wake of unrest,
the citizens are left
wondering what they
can do to help.

Each of them comes
to the problem bearing
their own set of skills.

It is the poet with her pen
who spreads words of wisdom,
for teaching techniques of peace is
one sure way to undermine warmongers.

It is the water warriors
who place their lives on the line
to stop a pipe that could leak oil
into the drinking water of thousands.

It is the signmaker
who goes into his shop
and makes a sign to hold
outside of his local mosque:

You belong. Stay strong.
Be blessed. We are
one America.

Across the continents
there are centers of energy,
engines of civilization which
help humanity to lift itself up
to new and dazzling heights.

Such saw the construction of
the Constitution and then the birth of
the United States as one nation, indivisible.

The engines of civilization are powerful --
they can surround hatred and dismantle
its forces piece by piece and limb from limb --

but like any machine, someone has to turn them on.

* * *

Notes:

The title of this poem comes from the original Pledge of Allegiance.  You can also read about the Constitution.

Celebrate the victory of Standing Rock.

In divisive times, you can help by promoting peace and unity.

Comments

[kellan_the_tabby]

YES THIS

i hope someone who knows that guy sees this, so he can see it too

Thank you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

I followed through to the Facebook link, but sadly there wasn't a box for comments.

[mama_kestrel]

Shortly after the PATRIOT act (a misnomer if ever there was one) was passed, I made a wall-hanging quilt. On the white bars of a stylized flag, I appliqued "One Nation, Indivisible", with a circle of religious symbols in place of the stars on the blue field. It hung on my office door at the state agency I worked for at the time.