YESTERDAY'S MEMORIAL

Will our nation soon like others
be paved sea to shining sea
with more stonecold memorials
left by strangers, fathers, mothers?

This nation is reeling from attacks
so much, from within and without;
one war after another, no doubt
looking forward, watching backs

Our sore hearts have little peace.
Our pockets are targets to fleece.
Always one heartache after another,
since men fought brother to brother.

Can we all just get along?
No, it seems, not this throng.
Oil, hate, morals, fanatics, a manger,
everyone's kids grow up in danger.

Are we alone in loving one another
with love words to each other?
Listen, gossip becomes history,
and truth lies buried in mystery.

Our history is so often rewritten.
We talk. Do you vote or are you smitten
by some true value or handsome liar?
Who was it said we didn't start this fire?

Hold me closer, see our love never dies.
Enough cold memorials that hurt forever.
I need your fire more now than ever
with no partings, no goodbyes.

In all this tough world, I've faith in you.
Of a few good men, I give you your due.
You've loved me, held me, been true blue.
So let me state my love again anew.

We all cry for crowns and eulogize lies;
but often, alone, another decent man dies.
Memorials enough, let love memorialize.
Our soft hearts embrace, don't criticize.

(c) 2002 Rennie Lorca

Acknowledging Rodney King and Billy Joel here.