Hello PoetryVoting

Vote

Voting-Boards

Home

HomeFollowingInboxNotifications

Read

ReadLiftedFeedsHeartedHistoryMy poemsNew poem

Explore

ExploreOrbitsWordsTagsClassics
Log in
0
Stars
0
Embers
0
Alerts
0
Inbox

Vote

Voting-Boards

Home

HomeFollowingInboxNotifications

Read

ReadLiftedFeedsHeartedHistoryMy poemsNew poem

Explore

ExploreOrbitsWordsTagsClassics
Log in
0
Stars
0
Embers
0
Alerts
0
Inbox

A Tear She Cried

The pain is felt

As she, the preeminent archeologist knelt

Before the porch

And the holder of the torch

 

Of a land, once beautiful

Protected by the dutiful

Vibrant cultures which would fall with a thud

A price paid with disease and blood

 

From this would rise a new culture

The ancient morsels scavenged by this vulture

Manifest destiny was the rule of the land

Smothered and choked by a cold hand

 

Created by terror, torture and fears

Remaining in place for hundreds of years

A promise of liberty and justice, but not for all

The reason for this culture's eventual fall

 

This was not the story her digs appeared to tell

For liberty was the name of that cracked bell

Hymn's proclaiming the land of the free

And a constitution that begins with "We..."

 

As she gazed towards the sky

She could not fathom why

What on earth made this lady cry?

 

"Give me your tired, your poor"

Welcoming all upon her shore

This was the message upon her door

 

Gazing upon her once hopeful eyes

She soon began to realize

Perhaps, they were not all knowing and wise

And for too long believed their own lies

 

It was this realization

Of this ancient nation

Which helped her see

The tears shed by she

This lady...

Liberty

 

(C) Shawn White Eagle

Request permission to use this poem
Written by
shawn-white-eagle
Published
Nov 18, 2012
Lines·Words
37·222
Notes

This was inspired by Lupe Fiasco's "Unforgivable Youth", which I think is a truly powerful piece and I recommend it as a listen, or a read.  It is extremely thoughtful and deep, at least in my most humble opinion.  The words/music created a film in my mind and the ending I saw in that visual  inspired this poem.  I hope U enjoy it.  Live 4 Love

Permission

Request to use this poem

Tell shawn-white-eagle how you would like to use it. We review requests before forwarding them.

AboutBlogFAQPrivacyTermsContact
© 2009-2026 Hello Poetry/v27.0 by @eliotyork
Explore
Hello PoetryVoting
Write