An American Poem

Free as Birds in the Perilous Night.

This is a tale of a people who were free as birds in high steeples.

They had wise leaders and good laws and fair judges. This is what set them apart

from all others to start.

They worked hard and long building a place where people felt safe. They even invited others to share in their wealth. However, these folks had to make a real effort. Most did not care if they were white, black, red, pink or yellow as long as they worked hard and were good fellows. There were of course some rules to follow but not so many as to make them feel hollow.

Now not everything was perfect in this place of good cheer. Because as you know there were no perfect persons here. They always had their ups and their downs as they built up their farms and cities and towns. They even treated many unfairly and had awful conflicts until they could see things more clearly.

They had children galore and they would have lots more. The kids brightened their spaces. Some went to schools and some worked with tools and some went of to war and other bad places. Some had no children at all but that was okay because that was their choice and they still had a voice. Some loved their companions in an opposite way. This caused some concern but was eventually solved as the people evolved.

They had some bad times some Dust and a Bust. They fought several wars even one deemed unjust. Then they did nothing at all and some were emboldened. These took out two buildings that came down in showers. It must be said that the innocents killed had no intent to hurt those who brought down the two towers. However, in the end, the people stayed mighty and united.

Then came an action against a faction maybe not involved in the fray. Thus were the people divided. Some into red and some into blue and and some, just a few, who were independent. This division continued for many a year and left many in fear that the country would be held in derision.

So as time has gone by, they continued in flight. Some stayed to the right. Some stayed to the left. Some stayed in the middle. And some did nothing at all. Those that always went right and those that always went left found themselves going in circles. Those in the middle also had problems because that path is muddled. And those who did nothing at all will still be around if we fall.

So I ask, does might make right? Is it black or white? Is it red or blue? Or, do we even have a clue? Can’t we back off of this perilous path by being ourselves? Can’t we be true to the calling we have? Aren’t we the light in the perilous night so all the world’s people can see that there is a chance to ensure that their future is bright?

By: Jesse Jon Hall --- January 30, 2010