151 feet of cold iron and copper,
untouched by time,
composed through the elements,
has been moved.
Her eyes blink, her skin bumps,
her body trembles because there is
a new force rushing through her veins.
For one moment, perhaps one moment
given by fury, or providence,
she speaks…

“I stand beside a golden door,
and I am still standing!

I speak for all people, free and slave,
of color and white, wealthy and impoverished,
young and aged who have
gathered here from seven continents.

I lift my torch to signify our lands need enlightenment.

My torch remains flamed!

For this light is not
lit from  the cold, twisted,
void of oppression.

My torch cannot be extinguished
for it is fueled
with the spirit of freedom
from the hearts and souls of every American.

Those who have spilled their blood so that our children can play safely,
those who have lost their limbs
on foreign soil,
those who have fed, ministered,
wept and sacrificed so that others may
enter through this door.

I lift my torch defying evil.

I hold it high before those who
would craft the destruction
of a people who
have remained strong through
the grace of Almighty God.

And I vow, though weeping, to remain standing…..brave.

Wthout bravery, there is no honor

without safety there is no hope

without tolerance there is no peace,

but without justice there is no

freedom.