This day in time history books will note
the chaos and destruction reigned down
on a country rife with hate, bigotry and strife,
when a unified spirit formed
to move things forward in a new direction
cannot stand with discord ripping factions apart,
weakening its statutes and laws enforced,
laws made to protect and preserve a sacred constitution
written for a nation that came together
birthed by patriots who firmly believed
that a country made strong
was a country destined never to fall,
and the song, “God Bless America” should include, “God Help America!”
Will we make it through tough times
together as one body, or apart, divided in the quest?
Or will it be a pivoting moment in time
when we watch with despair at its further decline?
Will we only stand and sing?
“America. land of the free and home of the brave”?
Or will we fall to our knees and pray
that those are not just words to a song,
but seek our creator who forgives us our wrong?
In spite of our misgivings and mistakes
will He not still bless and keep His word?
Will He not cry also, tears of heartache and pain
because He was not invited in,
to guide us through these times
when our country teeters on a precipice to survive?
Have we become just a country
trying to hold it together, hurting on this pivoting day?
What kind of legacy will we leave behind to make it great again?
Will we welcome God back in?
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Joyce E. Mannhalter © July 2020
