In 1913 Katherine Lee Bates made the arduous journey to the summit of Pike's Peak.
"One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."
I saw a diffent display yesterday and was inspired as Katherine Lee Bates was inspired.
Oh beautiful for spacious skies,
For prisons undisclosed,
For professionals who torture those
For terror crimes supposed!
America! America!
We all cringe with fear
In ignorance we sacrifice
Our liberties so dear.
We torture now some held without
Hope of wrongs revealed.
They pay the price so we can shop
And travel all we please.
America! America!
Her dishonor is revealed
And she will join the brotherhood
Of those she once reviled.
I don't know what else to say.