A prayer for America
Fires consume California
hundreds of bolts of electricity rain
down on dry hill and brush
three million acres and thousands of trees lie dying,
the birds have been silenced
the cloudless pale blue sky turns to murky gray
as the tears of people who have lost their homes
mingle in the ash that covers burnt cities
harbingers of misery
in America
craving redemption.
Desolation in the loss of faith in our country abides.
Like Ferlinghetti we wait to be released
from the anarchy of wayward institutions
the politics of self
the lure of mega houses and
burgeoning bank accounts
thirsting for a time when the simple virtues of
kindness and charity reign
the labor of sharp minds and strong hands honored
a space wherein communities dwell together
in bonds of friendship
our nation’s creative spirit a birthright
for all,
safe, secure and just.
Like Ferlinghetti we are waiting
for fresh air with a sweetness of breath
clear streams and waters that reflect blue skies
tasting like little sips of life itself,
where animals regain their lands, roaming free,
conserved by humankind.
Some say it was never so.
Then let us build it now.
Come, “hope”, let us embrace you.
Heal our divisiveness.
Let us fulfil those hallowed promises.
Redeem the Soul of the nation.
Restore its spiritual essence.
2020
May the fires
be controlled
the virus
contained.
May Shanti
return to this
divided nation
and children
play along
golden beaches
in clear waters.
May
kisses
substitute batons
reason
replace conspiracy.
May
America
be the refuge of
those
who hunger for
Liberty
a necklace
of opalescent
beads of
Equality,
the country
of our dreams
once more,
our North
Star.
Deenaz P. Coachbuilder Ph.D., is a retired school principal, adjunct professor in special education and consulting speech pathologist. She is a visual artist, writer and environmental advocate. Deenaz’ poetry, essays, and commentaries have been published regionally and internationally. Her books of poetry, Metal Horse and Shadows: A Soul’s Journey and Imperfect Fragments, have been received with critical acclaim. Deenaz is a wife, mother, and adoring grandmother who lives in Riverside California, Seattle Washington, and Mumbai, India.
Inlandia: A Literary Journey 