Yesterday I attended 100,000 Poets for Change, and this is the poem I wrote to share at this year's event. Other poems I shared were Misdirected Penguin, A Chance for Atonement, and Unsung Heroes (also posted below).
Check, Checkmate
The dove queen watches the eagle king play chess,
Getting into check again and again and again
Wondering if when the game finally comes to checkmate
Who or what will truly win
If humankind will all turn into pillars of salt or become
Shadows on the sides of the buildings that remain
Or if instead she will take the olive branch from the King’s
claws
And bring peace down upon the Earth once more to reign
Unsung Heroes
Unsung heroes there
Whilst we are bickering here
Who is right or wrong
Sing thee the hero's song
For those in lands faraway
Who may not live to see another day
Unsung heroes every one
Someone's daughter, someone's son
Doing their job until day is done
Sing thee the hero's song
No matter what side of the aisle you're on
Or which religion you choose to don
Unsung heroes far and near
All to someone very dear
Ask not why we are here
Sing thee the hero's song
Pray for peace and freedom from greed
Pray for relief from every need
Unsung heroes every one
Care for them as they cared for us
In our love they put their trust
Sing thee the hero's song
And pray they all see another dawn
The dawn of coming home
