Say Their Names

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

We kneel in solidarity

with our fists in the air.

We are the voice for the voiceless

filled with anger and despair.

We are united in our humanity

the time has come for us to share

in their grief and their burdens

to show how much we care

to show the world we care.

 

Say her name

Say his name

Say their names………

Author's Note

My poem was inspired by a video showing young protesters having a moment of silence for George Floyd in Minneapolis. Unfortunately it has been removed from You Tube recently but it was very moving to watch. Historically it has been young people with their passion that have brought about change. This time, unlike the 60's, it is much more multiracially inspired. It seems that the 'torch has been passed" on to a new generation.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love this! Such words are balm in these troubled times. I agree that most of us old people have not done well in carrying on the fight for equal rights & it's time for younger people to ride this bucking bronco for now. I believe that young people are less encumbered by a bunch of ancient opinions & prejudices. It's hard for old people to admit when their attitudes suck & it's time for new minds & fresh attitudes. That's what your poem reminds me of & it's a strong hopeful feeling (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dara]

Thank you so much Margie. I often feel twangs of regret for not doing more and so agree with your opinion regarding our older generation. Sometimes I think the only way real change will come about with the older ones in Congress retiring or otherwise but that is not a likely scenario either. At the least their time in office should be limited. So good to see you here. I always love to hear what you have to say! Be safe :-))

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a great comment on solidarity regarding black and whites. They are standing up together for racial justice and other causes. They are peacefully protesting together with an amazing passion They have set their ideals and hope that they will come to fruition. They will bring about change. They are not giving up.
This poem is very powerful and has an important message to share. Well done Dara.
Best, Betty

[Dara]

Thank you Betty. It is very empowering to see the show of solidarity across races and ages, especially with the passion seen in the youth of today. Their future is so tenuous with climate change a big part of it. They do bring us though. Hope you are doing well!

[Dara]

Meant to say bring us ‘hope’. :-)) Take care!!

[Betty Hermelee]

Every you said in your poem is true and more!
Stay well, Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

I mean everything you said....😊

[emmajoy]

Wherever they live, children learn from their parents' example. History is no excuse for revenge, ignorance or fear, and that's what has been passed down over so many centuries, Please God and all other Truths, this generation has more heart, more ethics, more everything to help stop the divides in ever part of society. Kneel on, m' darlings, show the world what ' . do unto others as you ..' really means.

Dara, you've left so few words,but, so much sincerity and integrity, Thank you. .

[Dara]

Nelson Mandela once said:
Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation.They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people. (3 June 1995)
I think all countries, the US especially, should look to South Africa as an example of how reparations helped heal a nation divided by race. Nothing is perfect but their country has made an almost 180 degree turn. Thank you, Emma, for sharing your beautiful thoughts and words. If we had more people like you in this world it would be a much better place.

[emmajoy]

Tisn't hard to be kind and respectful to people, you just have to see them as human beings...

[Hayllie]

Wow.very precious and powerful piece in such short words. This says a lot without having to write alot! The world has changed so much and continues to change all the time, but how this generation handles situations and learns to love one another instead of hate, will be what creates the era for the next generation! I applaud you..

[Dara]

You are so right. I think the only real hope for change is when the next generation becomes of an age to help shape the laws that pave the way. Thank you so much for stopping by. :-)

[Robert Trakofler]

I am so proud of the ones that stand for freedom and solidarity right now dear Dara:) And your poem echoes in and to my heart so beautifully! How I hope and pray for the day that true equality is realised it is long long past due

[Dara]

Beautifully said Robert. It is heartwarming to see the passion displayed globally especially with the young. It will definitely take time but it feels different somehow. Hopefully there has been a major spark that has been lit and will burn brightly until change really takes place. Always so good to see you here!

[Paul Bell]

Can the young do any worse than the dinosaurs running most countries.
Time for change was a long time ago, maybe statues should have a life span of thirty years before they're replaced with someone new.

[Dara]

The young have even more at stake than the older generations. Long after we have gone they are sadly left to pick up the pieces. “Dinosaurs”, a great description! Maybe then we’ll finally get it right. Great to see you here again, Paul.

[.]

Wow! Precious piece... Just glad that I read this. This is a nice poem, I'll read the other poems as well. You can visit my page sometimes too :)
Thanks for sharing!
Good luck!

[Dara]

Thank you! Your visit is much appreciated. I look forward to reading your poetry as well.

[Lydia Shutter]

May these demonstrations truly make a difference not only in the USA, but worldwide. Such a timely write. Lydi**

[Dara]

The impact is short of miraculous. Yes, let us pray they do! Great to see you Lydi. Hope you are staying well!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a knee for love, a knee for humanity...a prayer we all come together...

more than ever, we need unity. we need understanding.
this is an important poem...thank you for writing it, Dara,
j.

[Dara]

What we have been witnessing in the last few months is unprecedented. Through the unselfish acts of others there remains a ray of hope that all is not lost. As a country we must do better and it seems that we are on the right track. I so appreciate your input and words of encouragement!