Ode to the OLB
Up, on the shoulders of a movement
stand holders of light.
Balancing in high places, they
beam and glow, sans backlight,
shining on for justice, for fair wages,
for a decent society with dignity and peace
for every person, every one a brother or sister.
Sisters and brothers of mine who
stand on ice, on concrete
on the courage and convictions of
Mandela and King and Gandhi,
of Lincoln and Lady Forward. They step off,
lifted on the strength of pure light
from double-A batteries and the
knowledge that they bear witness,
testifying in the deepest dark of the
Winter Solstice. On the shortest day
in the longest, coldest hour they
quietly glow, telling of starlight
falling on the conscience of
men and women and dogs.
Their silence cries out. Their word-halo
screeches and rings,
breaks the rocks,
stirs the water,
reflecting the night we stood and sang
on the stairs, while snow fell on us.
In hope or in anger, I knew I was not alone.
___________________________________
This poem is dedicated to all the holders of the light, especially Joe Brusky,
noise of rain and
badscience.
Linkaliciousness:
Overpass Light Brigade on Facebook
Overpass Light Brigade website
OLB on twitter
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Kalliope
Means "beautiful voice" from Greek καλλος (kallos) "beauty" and οψ (ops) "voice". In Greek mythology she was a goddess of epic poetry and eloquence, one of the nine Muses.
Join us every Tuesday night for drinks at the Daily Kos community political poetry club
Your own poetry is always welcome in the comments
Bongos, berets & turtle neck sweaters optional
The keypad is mightier than the sword
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