Reflections - a poem about hope, solidarity and the tree

As I gazed at the monument of monstrosity,
my heart began to melt.

The rays of hopelessness and horror began to beat down
and as I began to frown
you, mother willow gave me shade.

You stood there, stoic and poised
Your roots ran deep and your gnarled branches
testified to you strength.

You beat back the heat
with your maternal covering
as you began to cool me with
the wind of your soothing words.
"yes its muy triste,
but this is not the end.

At the wall, is where the story begins"
I looked up and took off my shades
as the blinding intensity was replaced with
your rings.

Both a testament to your wisdom
and the Vitality that
Tomorrow brings.

She Continued.

" Mis amigos, familia, hermanos, and padre all
have a place on this wall, mejo...
But the strength of the human spirit
will never fall."

"Your people in America have gone through the same,
Yet they live through you as you carry the name."
"Like romero you must continue the fight
and speak truth to power.

Shine in the midst of the night
Be the bird that sings
in the wee early hours."
"But Madre, what about his tower?"

" Esperanza! HOPE!
Your generation must be the boat, that takes us from the continent
of cruelty to community.

"In solidarity"
"Si, to be in solidarity this is what you must do
Remember that change begins with you
go back to your community and tell all that you see
Organize, mobilize
plant more seeds. "

I came to help you,
but you helped me...
only now am I ready
to be planted.
to be rooted.
to grow.

To become a tree of solidarity.

By Michael.

*Poem was inspired by a conversation had at the moment to Justice with an activist who had her brothers killed.