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.

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

In all this tough world, I've faith in you
Of a few good men, I salute you, too.
You've loved me and been true blue.
So let me profess my love again anew.

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

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

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

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

(c) 2002 Rennie Lorca

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Acknowledging lines from Rodney King and Billy Joel here.