chiseled from black marble
the mayor’s face
reflects the candle light.
I gaze upon the face
beautiful in its angles
shining in the heat of the night.
I listen to the words
their music flowing
as the sounds rise and fall
to a rhythm I cannot understand.
he turns his eyes to me
and they pierce my heart.
it is for the children
their hunger, their need.
can you, who come from land that flows with honey
hold the outreached hand of
children
whose bellies swell with hunger
that gnaws their waking moments.
I raise my eyes.
the thin gaunt men gathered round the table
facing blancs in flickering light
their pride left behind
as the image of their children fills their heart
bringing them
this night
as in desperation they seek an answer
to questions we can only
begin
in our ignorance
to hear.
what must it take
to step outside your pride?
what must you feel
as you gaze at the pale faces
reflecting candle light that fills your eyes?
how much must you know
as your gentle voices echo sounds of ancient past
gathered
within this room…
how much love
to reach out
not knowing if your hand will be grasped
or released as you seek our help…
how much faith
that God will lead you
as you walk the steps that fall before you.
how much…
– dr. sylvia campbell
