Lady Liberty Speaks

Art History I stand erect with outstretched hand Representing liberty, for many, a foreign land My fire dances an incessant jubilant glow I represent hope for the oppressed to sow Pungent salts mixed with glassy sands Linger on my lamenting lips Patinaed ears serenaded by human plans For the masses willing to endure perilous trips I separated tyranny from average men's fears Completed in 1885, a French residual gift from the Revolutionary years Some may say I am mute, But I spoke in 1944, Did you not hear my visceral ROAR? Blink, blink, blink "VICTORY" I delivered a delightful message highlight across a star spangled banner twilight My shout referenced the end of WWII A war American people had hoped to eschew Before you come to visit me, Open your eyes diligently "Do you see the iron ore disjointed?" My right foot is LIFTED and FREE With thirty five expansive 'eyes' under seven spiked tiers I've winked and blinked countless times over the many years I monitor seven continents and mighty oceans vast Proclaiming Enlightened Liberty for all the bold who pass Vessel sails chatter resoundingly as they advance in the glorious wind Crescent waves come to rock me a lullaby, their songs calm me astoundingly Hurricanes too, have left their calling card In my harbor, a thirty two foot wave blantantly accompanied Sandy, she felt the need to hit Hard They pierce and sting my eyes gravely Begetting cataracts over time Alas though the absolute most vulgar vision my thirty seven 'eyes' ever witnessed was When two planes made a purposeful incision By all accounts, most evil of what man does Ah, in contrast a Brilliant Shooting Star sprinkles its luminous dust A watering can akin to epsom salt from afar massaging my weary bust Now my city faces a new kind of challenge amidst a global world As The Comfort shares this history with me and new realities unfurl "Look what you've done," we chant to "The Powers That Be" Take heed, there is NO Humanity without without You and Me So as the Mighty storms frigidly wash me, a dusty old body, and lightening arrogantly shocks my heart to awaken me once more, Harshly We Will Prevail, We will Not Fail And to the US Naval Ship Comfort's Waves That share their liquid lullaby with me ... I accept their infinite, whispered gratitude For I am graciously placed in this longitude and latitude Copyright © Donna