“The United States is the only country with a known birthday…. There is no ‘Republican,’ no ‘Democrat,’ on the Fourth of July — all are Americans.” James G. Blaine
Let’s remember to pause and give thanks for our freedom and the rights we enjoy. Why is this important? Why is this day a motivator? When we live in a society that values its freedoms, we can trust that most of our choices won’t be challenged, and our families won’t come to harm because of our ideas and decisions. We can express our opinions on a wide range of topics, speak out against any sort of civil rights infringements, fight against bigotry, choose the type of jobs we want, and move around independently. While this is true in theory, it remains an unfulfilled dream for so many people. We must remember to never take our freedoms for granted, to honor those who protect our rights and do our bit to ensure that our children, grandchildren, and others will continue to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day.
Maya Angelo continues to be an inspirational leader/hero of mine…she is an acclaimed author, poet and activist. In remembrance of her inspiring life and prolific career, I’ve selected a couple of her poems that seem fitting for both freedom and love:
Caged Bird
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Touched By An Angel
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.
Ukraine’s Fight for Independence extends beyond their borders…it affects us all. To that end…an hour-long primetime special centered around raising money and awareness to support opposition to the conflict was held the eve of this July 4th. One can still donate via text: Ukraine to 20222; or go online to “Ukraine Answering the Call”.
Let’s keep love in our hearts, Warriors and vote for freedom!
Covid Humor: Our cleaning lady just called and told us she will be working from home and will be sending us instructions of what to do.