I don’t know how we end up in a war,
become the monsters I see on TV,
but I felt sick and so sad when I saw
how it hurts families and kids like me.
I watched the bombs and homes being lost,
how locals were displaced as refugees,
I don’t care what the big wigs say it costs
as our society must help them flee
from the pain and grief, and provide relief
by making a truce and agree not to fight,
help them recover and return to peace,
to all live together with equal rights.
I was just eight when they began this hate,
it’s still not too late to own their mistake.
Pardon me, sir
No, you go first
You have right of way
I defer to you. Go ahead
No, really. I'm in no hurry
Neither am I
Well, then. I'll just wait for you
And I for you ...
Now this is getting a bit silly. Please, it's your right of way
Oh? I'm not sure that I really have right of way. Plus I like it here
Gosh, I'm going to ask this gendarme here to help us
No, no. NO need for that! He's got better things to attend to
Mr. McConnell? Is that you? Imagine! I didn't recognize you in the sunlight
Uh, yes, yes. It's me, alright, uh, er, Mr... Mr...
Schumer. Mr. Charles Schumer. But you can just call me 'Chuck'
O yes. Sure. I know you now. So, please go ahead, Chuck. Time's a-wasting
Mr. McConnell, now that I'm sure it's really y--
O, Officer! Mr. Policeman! May I have a word with y--
We all deserve to be treated fairly
No matter our race, gender or class
We must fight for equality and justice
To make sure it never does pass
Let us stand together in unity
To ensure that all people are free
To live their lives in harmony
And to reach their full potential, you see
We must strive to be equitable
To ensure that everyone has a voice
And that our differences are celebrated
And that all can make their own choice
Let us work together for justice
To establish a world of peace and love
Where everyone is respected equally
And all can reach for the stars above.
HISTORY
HER-STORY
THEIR STORY
She has patience that defies great despair
In the face of age eroding her motherhood, Sarah waited and gave birth to a nation
She has penitence that overcomes shame
In the face of a cruel death, Magdalene braved the stones and shame and became a saint
She has loyalty that is audacious
In the face of fear and the disciples going in hiding, Mary and Magdalene stayed by Jesus’ side
She can be armless but still walk with defiance
In the face of bloodshed and an incarcerated husband, Winnie Mandela fought apartheid for a nation
She can switch from polite conductor to tough commandant
Carrying brain injuries Harriet Tubman was the female Moses who free slaves with armed invasions
Her beautiful face soaks up tears of pain but always shine bright again
In the face of a world of turmoil and hate, women give us the beautiful half of humanity
Happy women’s day!
Equal Rights are guaranteed by law
Quality of life has a major flaw
Universal acceptance will start the thaw
American laws are still too raw
Leadership lost the bigoted draw
Rights are rights, they belong to all
Idiots who fear to make the call
Give equality or watch the nation fall
Help the just tear down the wall
Truth prevail while hate will stall
See us from the dark ages crawl
Discrimination is discrimination no matter
how it is disguised.
Equal Rights?
There was a boy named Jack that knew Jill.
He understood that she hated road kill.
So, he took her to dine.
At a restaurant so fine
It was divine ‘til he passed her the bill!
© Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen
March 8, 2010
Poetic form: Limerick
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