Men of November 1963 - 2008

Today, forty-five years ago, we heaved
this weight to our shoulders,
not seeing, knowing its complete meaning,
yet beckoning to ask why not?
 
You are now asked to carry this light's great intent:
to find, explore the fiber and nerve of essential need.
Define ways, delicate means.
Yes, leverage our dexterous technology,
whose logic claims bold, deft plans.
 
You are the leader, who my very own son,
on a cold winter night, on his campus,
not two years before --
yes, you had sent his eyes aglow, with goose bumps
dancing on his tender pale skin;
he'd gulp hope like he'd feast
on his mom's mashed potatoes ...
 
Now, we will bring you more, my captain -
you have engaged the imagination
of the whole world watching, one in whom
places informed hope, forged in the school
of knocked about and down and not quite up again.
But surely not out. Not us. Not now.
 
And, now together, our first step.
 
 
 
COPYRIGHT 12/23/2008
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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September 26, 2009 at 5:02 PM
William, I just wanted to drop by and add--Congratulations on making it through the first round in the contest. Good luck in the finals! Karen
Brown Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Congratulations on your poem making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals William. Love, Carol
Mason Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Interesting write here, William. Our "dexterous technology" may take us all the way back to the caves ... smile ... Congratulations on your writing being selected to be featured this week here at PoetrySoup!!
George   Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 5:52 AM
The light of this great man - J.F. kennedy will burn forever. Magnificant writing, William. Lainie
Nutter Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 3:20 AM
Wow! Excellent write congratulations on being featured this week. A. W. www.freewebs.com/abcedit
Moreno Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 8:04 PM
William, congrats on your feature this week...Raul
Fraser Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 6:46 AM
Congratulations on your wonderful poetry being featured this week William >>James
Brown Avatar
September 21, 2009 at 3:29 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week William. Love, Carol
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September 20, 2009 at 5:58 PM
So much depth for the reader to reflect on in this poem. I really like the last line. Congratulations on being featured this week. Wishing you continued success with your writing. Karen
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 28, 2009 at 7:36 AM
Had to read this as my Father in law's name was William Norris. (He would have been 108 this year). Got to agree. This leader has the young involved. I haven't felt like this about a politician since 1960. I have little use for most of them. God Bless. Vince
Brown Avatar
January 28, 2009 at 6:24 AM
Welcome to PoetrySoup William. Hope you will continue writing and sharing your excellent poetry with us. Love, Carol
Moreno Avatar
January 27, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Great poem William and I welcome you to POETRYSOUP. I hope you enjoy your stay...Raul
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