Another Day Has Dawned (for Star 15)

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Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2000-05-11 09:20 PM

*A little explanation ... as this is a loooong verse (I promise I won't post anything for a week after this one). I just read Star 15's "The Threat of Eagle Grove High" and it's been on my mind since I read their moving poem of first-hand experience.  I wanted to post this for Star ... I wrote it shortly after the Columbine shootings after speaking with my terrified nephews (sorry for the length in advance)

Another Day Has Dawned

  Amidst our chaos and confusion;
     Amidst our anguish and despair;
        Amidst our never-ending questions and blame;
           … Lies a world of lessons.

  Through our tears and astonishment;
     Through our hopelessness and depression;
        Through our anxiety and grief;
            … Lies a world of shame.

  For it is “our” world that is responsible;
     It is “our” world that allowed this sadness;
        It is “our” world that has lost it’s youth;
           … And it is “our” world that needs to change.

  It is a warning for  those who would isolate it;
     It is a warning for those who would bury it;
        It is a warning for those who think it will not touch them;
           … It is “we”, who need to address it.

  For this is the birth of our “own” generation;
     This is the birth of our “own” problems;
        This is the birth of our “own” past mistakes;
          It is “we”, who needed to watch over them.

  A new generation who have hopes and dreams;
     A new generation who have life and laughter;
        A new generation who deserve a chance at peace;
           … It is “we” who need to make them secure.

  It is time to stop talking in circles;
     It is time to stop blaming and pointing;
        It is time to stop questioning and guessing;
           … It is time to accept the burden and act.

  We are not blameless;
     We are not above reproach;
        We are not perfect role models;
           … For we are the generation they emulate.

  Look beyond your own your circle of life;
     Look beyond your picket fences and chained doors;
        Look beyond your own backyard;
           And admit your frailties and failures.

  Did you not once, look the other way?
     Did you not once, stay quiet when you should have spoken?
        Did you not once, say “ I cannot change it?”
           Do you “know” that we “can” make a difference?

  One small voice can begin to move mountains;
     One caring gesture can begin to enlighten others;
        One shoulder to lean on, can ease another’s pain;
           … Did you “know” that you are that “one”?

  Listen to those who are in jeopardy;
     Listen to that small voice whispering that they are in trouble;
        Listen to that child with the wayward, furtive glance;
        … And be prepared to take part in their future.

  For if you do not listen and talk;
     If you do not participate and take responsibility;
        If you do not guide and offer them your heart and wisdom;
           … It is “we”, who will join in their misery.

  It reaches beyond your own immediate children;
      It reaches beyond their friends and peers;
          It reaches beyond your nieces and nephews;
              … For it is every child you come in contact with.

  Positive action begins in our own backyards;
     Positive action flows through your own neighborhood;
        Positive action can encompass your own small town or city;
           … And through this, we are all connected.

  Be a mentor when others fail to counsel;
     Be a counselor when others fail to listen;
        Be a listener when others fail to notice;
           … Be a positive experience with “every” child you meet.

  For yesterday, someone looked the other way;
     Yesterday, someone pretended they did not see;
        Yesterday, someone passed by without offering help;
           … But today … it is not too late.

  Today, you can make a difference in someone’s life;
     Today, you can offer your love and guidance;
        Today, you can choose to  be a positive influence for another;
           … And then maybe … just maybe … our world will change with you.

/Kit McCallum

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

1 posted 2000-05-11 09:30 PM

This is quite a piece of writing, Kit. Very thought provoking and filled with many wise words! As for the length, it's not that long. I surely do hope you post something else before the week is out!

Denise

Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

2 posted 2000-05-11 10:15 PM

Thanks Denise .. I was a little nervous posting this one for some reason ... it's pretty wordy ... I appreciate the kind words.

Best wishes,
/Kit

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