A Dark Time

from out of a dark time
let the light count the days
as our innocence is tested
in so many ways

what happens now
as millions of voices react-lay blame
ready to throw up our hands
we declare a moratorium on pain

with words plainly spoken
not just sung or rehearsed
we look to our elders; for ways to make peace
declared; passionate, spoken in straight forward verse

for in the light left, another day clings fast
after the soul-searching, too tired to move
we stay dug-in, immobile, steadfast
as the possibility of change, remains within reach

as we close our eyes, even sleep we fight
still we turn a corner; tonight is made possible
by the countless names and faces
their struggles lived;  impossble to ignore, the time is now

humanity for all- a God given right

by Michael Perry