The Torch is flickering out

Her torch is  flickering out

For nearly 150 years 

with a mothers arms opened wide

she stood elevated with pride 

Focused and eternally vigilant 

harbored with hope inside 

For all who saw her light 

 hungering for unity 

and common community  

and a unfettering of the chains of oppression 

she gave direction 

 jubilant and  expectant 

seasick,hunger spent 

Cramped cold, young and old  

Weeks on end in the hellish bottom deck 

Together a vision of possibility was lent 

 The poorest of the poor storm tossed blew in 

Knowing she stood there 

for all that would be good and fair 

Yearning for humane dignity

Offered up as a blessing 

 she guided them in 

and gave them opportunity 

For the basic rights 

of all she was sought

A bellwether in foul weather 

She could gather them together  

Now  hardened and tarnished territorially 

Awash in all the greed and misdeed 

That  humankind has wrought 

The making of a union of diverse identity

 that as one people for democracy we fought 

She favored us with that trust

 to include all of us 

For many she has shed copper tears 

The torch of liberty that she held tight 

in her rusted hand for years 

Is now flickering out 

Turning all from safe harbor

 By closing tight this Nation's door 

confronting death of equality and security 

Upon this once E Pluribus Unum shore