To Those Who Are Separate

Created: 08/18/2008 02:49:46 AM

For my siblings who are separate
It should be said to you
Everything you are has come from someone
or something outside of yourself

Your mathematics from the Greeks
Your religion from the Arabs
Your language from the English
Your homestead from the Natives

Your family from the visions, hopes of their ancestors
Your love from that which you love
Your faith from those who promise you
Your courage from that which you defend

The fire in the desert
The flood in the wetlands
The burning houses in the Sahara with virgins cut down
The suicide headbombs with soldiers cut down
Our courage makes martyrs
Our ferocity makes orphans
How far will our intentions go to bring progress

No man can keep what he takes by his mouth
No woman can keep what she takes by her purse
So dispense with your shackles and open your eyes

Those who relate things move cultures
Those who relate cultures move oceans