In the Silence, Whispers of Freedom

In the Lands where Heron fly, and

Crane nest with young, as do

Osprey, Reed Warbler* and

Eagle — symbol of long life and strength

Oh, say can you see, mother fleeing from

celebrations declaring independence

or neighbor’s treasured Golden, Highland, Horse, retreating

hovering, shaken for days

At a time nearing 250 years of our government’s birth

May we now consider the Earth,

and tribes from 49,600 ages ago

seeking livelihood from China’s works of fire

The strength of waters, the life of shores

As poignant and ancient as dawn’s early light

Honoring veterans, past and present, whose sounds of bombs

Are terrifying, traumatizing

Would silence and laughter soothe your souls

A Declaration of Planetary Peace to fuel our children’s Path

Cedar, full of Grace, standing tall before our wars,

Sea Turtle, majestic marvel,

we humbly ask for Illumination, Insight

For how this woven world, or even one of us

May live harmoniously with Wisdom

of the Universe — known for billions of Stars Spangled

A banner of Evolving Long Life, Realizing

Brilliant, Intelligent Inner Strength

*  The rare Reed Warbler was recently sighted in northeast Afghanistan, once thought to be extinct

A Quest for Awareness of Interdependence, July 2011

SHIRLEY JANTZ

Langley